Bus changes

Story: Lisa Swift

Local residents had a chance to comment on possible changes to the number 5 and M20 in May.

Sheffield Community Transport, who run the buses, and SYPTE (South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive), who pay for the services, met with residents at Carwood, Wensley and Verdon Street to discuss changes that could happen in July.

No buses to be cut

Both the number 5 and M20 are set to continue but changes may be made to their routes.

It’s proposed that the number 5 will go up Carwood Road and along Grimesthorpe Road, instead of Petre Street. And the M20 will include Verdon and Andover Street before it continues on to Malton Street, Scott Road and Fir View Gardens.

Concerns, complaints and suggestions

Residents at the three meetings said how important having a bus service on their estate was to them – but many were unhappy.

Residents on Malton Street and streets off Scott Road complained to the Messenger that they had lost their service to Firth Park. And in the meeting, residents said they wanted a service to Meadowhall, which used to be covered by the B1 and B2 services. One resident said,

“It’s a real hassle getting to Meadowhall; we live so close and yet so far away.”

SYPTE said it was unlikely they would fund a Meadowhall service.

Another resident complained,

“The number 20 is not reliable, it’s a bad service. If it’s running late, it just misses out Scott Road completely.”

SYPTE explained that this was illegal and unacceptable and residents should report any incident like this to SYPTE.

At the Wensley meeting, residents were relieved that the number 5 service would continue, as this is the only bus that serves Wensley. However residents said they would like a Saturday service, which SYPTE said they would consider. Many residents were concerned about where the number 5 stopped in town.

“They move where the bus stops without telling you.”

SYPTE said there had been some problems but that new arrangements would be in place by July and there would be clear signs.

Verdon Street residents were pleased that the little bus might be coming to their estate, even though the service will only run three times a day. “It’s a start,” said one resident, “we’ve just got to make sure people use it or we will lose it again.”

Changes in July or October

Like the commercial bus companies, SYPTE and SCT only have four opportunities per year to make changes to bus times. The deadline to make changes in July is 28th May. SYPTE and SCT are aiming to make changes to the number 5 and M20 by this date. If that doesn’t happen, it will be October instead.

SYPTE have offered to meet residents again after the changes to see how they have been received. If you would like to be invited to these follow up meetings contact the Messenger on 242 0564.

For bus timetables and help with travel plans contact Traveline on 01709 515151.