Plans to take buses under public control up for scrutiny in Rotherham

The objective is get views and observations from bus users before decisions on how to proceed with the proposals are taken by South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority.

That has responsibility for bus services and is exploring the possibility of taking them back under public control, as they were before the Thatcher Government introduced deregulation in the 1980s.

A series of drop-in sessions, where people can learn more about the plans and the change they could bring, start on Tuesday, with an event at the Montgomery Hall Theatre, Wath, from 5pm to 7pm.

Another takes place at Riverside House, from 10am to 4pm on Tuesday November 26.

They are part of 12 weeks of consultations. The plans, if they proceed, would see SYMCA take control of the bus network, including depots and bus fleets, with responsibility for timetables, service standards, tickets and fares.

SYMCA Chief Executive Martin Swales OBE said: “It is vital that we hear from the public, businesses and a range of organisations about what they think about our proposals to bring bus services back under public control through bus franchising.

“We want to bring the consultation to the attention of the public.

“That’s why I would urge as many people as possible to attend and have their say, so we can decide the best way forward for a better-connected region that works for everyone who lives and works here.”

There will be questionnaires at each event for visitors.