South Yorkshire Launches ‘People’s Network’ to Transform Public Transport

South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard has unveiled the South Yorkshire People’s Network, a new vision and brand designed to transform public transport across the region in what he described as a “once-in-a-generation” change.

The initiative sets out a long-term plan to deliver a fully integrated, sustainable and accessible transport system that connects communities across South Yorkshire. The goal is to create a network that is reliable, affordable, easy to use and designed around the needs of passengers, ensuring that people remain at the centre of every decision.

Restoring a World-Class Transport System

South Yorkshire was once known for having one of the best public transport systems in the country, but many residents have felt let down in recent years by increasing fares, reduced services and routes that fail to meet the needs of communities.

Mayor Coppard says the new strategy represents a major shift in how transport is delivered in the region, with local leaders taking back control of key transport services to ensure they serve passengers rather than profit.

Principles Behind the People’s Network

The South Yorkshire People’s Network will be built around six guiding principles:

• Freedom and Choice – ensuring people can easily travel to where they need to go

• Prioritising People – putting passengers at the centre of decision-making

• Affordability – keeping travel costs accessible for everyone

• Supporting Economic Growth – connecting communities to jobs and opportunities

• Future-Focused Infrastructure – building a network fit for the decades ahead

• Safety and Accessibility – creating a transport system that is welcoming and simple to use

Major Investment Already Underway

The transformation of the region’s transport system is already being supported by £1.5 billion of investment, including:

• £630 million to modernise and upgrade the tram network

• £350 million to reform the region’s bus services

Supertram services have already returned to public control, and from next year buses will follow, enabling decisions about routes, fares and services to be made locally rather than by private operators.

Alongside this, wider transport investments include the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport, new funding for Northern Powerhouse Rail, and increased support for walking, cycling and road safety initiatives.

A Brand Inspired by South Yorkshire’s Identity

The People’s Network brand has been designed to reflect South Yorkshire’s heritage and character. The colour scheme—molten orange, grey and asphalt black—draws inspiration from the region’s industrial past and the resilience of its communities.

Over the coming months, the new branding will begin appearing across the transport network, including:

• Bus stops and shelters

• Transport interchanges

• Tram staff uniforms

• A new People’s Network website, which will replace the Travel South Yorkshire platform by the end of the year

From next year, the branding will also appear on franchised buses, bus driver uniforms, across the tram network, and on the region’s new e-bike schemes.

Within five years, the brand will be visible across the entire network, including on 25 new trams and on upgraded signage and wayfinding systems.

A Long-Term Vision for the Region

Mayor Coppard emphasised that the project is about far more than transport infrastructure.

He said that a well-functioning public transport system provides freedom and opportunity, enabling people to access jobs, education and services while connecting communities across the region.

Coppard acknowledged that public transport in South Yorkshire has faced challenges for many years but said the new investment and ambition mark the beginning of a major turnaround.

What Happens Next

Several improvements are already planned in the coming years, including:

• The opening of the Magna Tram Train station

• Upgrades to bus stops and shelters, including new architecturally designed facilities

• Bus franchising beginning in Doncaster and Sheffield in 2027, expanding across South Yorkshire by 2029

• Simplified ticketing, including integrated tram and bus tickets

• New e-bike hire and subscription schemes launching next year

• The return of passenger flights at Doncaster Sheffield Airport in 2028

• Exploration of new tram extensions, supported by government funding

• Expanded free travel for under-18s, with a goal of covering all of South Yorkshire by 2027

Looking Further Ahead

Longer-term ambitions include major rail upgrades in partnership with Northern Powerhouse Rail, delivering four high-speed services per hour between Sheffield and Leeds, as well as capacity improvements at Sheffield and Doncaster stations.

Additional plans include new stations such as Rotherham Gateway and Waverley, further upgrades to regional rail lines and an expansion of the tram and tram-train network.

By the 2040s, the vision also includes faster rail services between Sheffield and Manchester and ensuring all rail stations in South Yorkshire are step-free, improving accessibility across the entire network.

Building a Transport System for the Future

Delivering the full transport vision will require sustained investment and collaboration over many years. However, the Mayor says the ambition is clear: to create a public transport system that supports healthier communities, stronger local economies and greater opportunities for everyone across South Yorkshire.

The South Yorkshire People’s Network is intended to mark the beginning of that journey—reconnecting communities and restoring confidence in public transport across the region.