Changes to bus services begin next month

The 217 service which runs between Barnsley and Rotherham will cease on September 1 because of falling demand, according to operator Stagecoach Yorkshire, and will be partly replaced by a new 107 service.

A 218a service will be introduced which will add to the current 218 Rotherham to Barnsley route.

The bus company said the changes have been brought in after a three-month consultation with bus users.

John Young, commercial director at Stagecoach, said: “Our 217 and 218 services are seeing a decline in usage due to factors including the growth of internet shopping, which means less footfall in town centres, and a rise in flexible working arrangements.

“As a result, the 217 service will no longer operate and will in part be replaced by the addition of a 107 service which will operate twice-a-day on Mondays to Fridays, maintaining links to Parkgate and Rotherham.

“One of the main points of feedback we received was that a service was crucial to the residents of Lime Grove (Swinton) and that removal of the 217 would have a negative effect on them.

“Due to the low numbers of people boarding in the Lime Grove area, we are unable to continue the service as it stood, but the new service 107 will run from Swinton Railway Station to Parkgate/Rotherham via Lime Grove to ensure that residents still have access to a service.”

Mr Young said while the 218 service will continue its current route, the new 218a will follow the same route as far as the junction of Kilnhurst Road, and then continue onto Warren Vale roundabout and Wentworth Road to the junction of Celandine Road before turning left to join Wentworth Road at the junction of Highthorn Road where it will rejoin the 218 route.

He added: “The 218 service will operate every hour and run alongside the new 218a, offering a combined half-hourly service for most of the route.”

Full details of the changes can be found at www.stagecoachbus.com.