South Yorkshire has reached a major milestone on its journey to publicly run bus services, after the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority secured the purchase of five key bus depots from private operators. The acquisitions bring every major depot in the region into public ownership, well ahead of the first franchised services beginning in September 2027.
The depots at Olive Grove, Ecclesfield and Holbrook in Sheffield, Rawmarsh in Rotherham, and Wakefield Road in Barnsley, together with the already publicly owned Leger Way depot in Doncaster, will form the operational backbone of the region’s new franchised network.
Under the agreement, First Bus and Stagecoach will lease the depots back from SYMCA as part of the £350 million bus franchising programme. This investment covers:
- Depot acquisition
- Electrification and power upgrades
- Infrastructure modernisation
- New depot buildings
- Purchase of new, modern bus fleets
The move ensures continuity for passengers while SYMCA prepares for full public control.
Significant upgrades are planned across all depots as South Yorkshire accelerates its transition to a zero‑emission fleet. Improvements include:
- New power infrastructure to support electric buses
- Dynamic charging systems for zero‑emission vehicles
- Refurbished staff welfare facilities
- New office buildings at Ecclesfield and Rawmarsh
- Essential roof repairs at Olive Grove depot
SYMCA is now finalising fleet allocations, with early projections including over 220 new buses for Olive Grove and around 110 for Leger Way. From 2027, at least 70% of new buses entering service in Doncaster and Sheffield will be zero‑emission, with all vehicles allocated to Olive Grove in the initial rollout fully electric.
This builds on the recently announced £33.4 million in government funding to support more than 180 zero‑emission buses in Sheffield.
Oliver Coppard, South Yorkshire Mayor, said:
“This is a significant moment for South Yorkshire. Bringing every depot into public ownership well in advance of bus franchising means we’re putting real foundations in place for a network that is reliable, affordable and works for all of us. It’s exactly what taking back control of our public transport looks like. As we roll out the South Yorkshire People’s Network, we’re creating one clearer, simpler and more connected transport system, and these depots will be right at the heart of making that happen.”
Once franchising begins, SYMCA will take on responsibility for routes, timetables, fares, and service standards. Revenue from fares will be reinvested directly into improving local bus services, mirroring successful models in London and Greater Manchester.
The transition to the franchised model will take place in phases:
- 2027: Doncaster and most of Sheffield
- 2028: Barnsley and Rotherham
- 2029: Remaining parts of Sheffield
Bus services will be delivered by operators appointed through a competitive procurement process launching later this spring.
Image credit: iStock
