Story:Graham Jones Photo:John Mellor
On 1st November following a meeting between Sheffield Council and the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Authority “improvements” were inflicted upon Sheffield’s bus service.
There were radical changes to routes and timetables, in order for travellers to “enjoy a much more integrated service that delivers greater flexibility, connectivity and value”, according to Sheffield Bus Partnership. However, these sweeping changes have been perceived by the public as ‘bus cuts’ with an estimated loss of 10% buses from our city’s roads, including many double-deckers.
Passengers in Burngreave have remarked on longer waits, more crowded buses and fewer double-deckers. Some routes have been redrawn or even totally withdrawn, such as the M20 route.
Since 1st November the 83/83a routes via the Firshill estate, which have a high proportion of elderly and disabled residents, have been diverted via Rock Street, depriving travellers of a direct route to Spital Hill services including shops, doctors surgeries, dentists and pharmacies. We have also lost the frequent service to the main interchange which was provided by the 47/48 routes.
A public petition was signed by over 12,000 people, forcing the council to hold a special debate on 2nd December 2015. Subsequently, Travel South Yorkshire issued some information about minor improvements to some routes including our area’s 20, 75, 76, 97 and 98. The situation will be reviewed by the council on 29th February.
This state of affairs is not the fault of drivers and other front line bus staff. The changes have been a nightmare for them too, not least because of the unthinking rudeness and impatience from some frustrated passengers. Please don’t blame them for policies which may have been made far from Sheffield.