Rotherham’s on the buses

The increase in passenger numbers is being put down to improvements in the area's bus services following the introduction of the Rotherham Bus Partnership last July.

Representatives from the voluntary partnership between Rotherham Borough Council (RMBC), South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE), and bus operators Stagecoach, First and TM Travel marked the six-month milestone at Rotherham’s Minster Gardens.

The Bus Partnership aims to make the borough's bus network easier to use, more reliable and convenient.

Fare-paying passengers have risen sharply by 240,000 since its launch, an increase of 6% per cent, and child passengers by 20,000 (a 2.7 per cent rise).

Records also show improvements in punctuality and reliability, with 92 per cent of buses running on time and 98.6 per cent as scheduled.

Comments and complaints have fallen an average of 27 per cent over the past six months.

The partnership monitors and identifies locations and causes of bus delays that affect the punctuality and reliability of services.

Timetable and service changes have been made this month to further improve services.

Rotherham Borough Council’s Cabinet member for neighbourhoods, Cllr Maggie Godfrey, said: “Our bus service plays a major role in making sure Rotherham has an efficient transport network which all helps to contribute to a stronger, local economy.

“These latest figures reflect our original Partnership aims to create a network that is simple to understand, easy to use and is affordable and we’re pleased to see the positive increases in passenger numbers, customer satisfaction and service levels.”

Managing director at Stagecoach Yorkshire, Paul Lynch, said: “The partnership has achieved clear improvements to buses in the town, making it an attractive alternative to the car.

“I hope that people in the area continue to see the improvements that the partnership has brought so far, and continue to use the bus whenever it's the best travel option.”

Managing director for First South Yorkshire, Ben Gilligan said: “By working together in a single united approach for our customers the Bus Partnership is delivering real benefits for Rotherham.”