South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority has launched the South Yorkshire People’s Network – a bold new vision and brand set to transform public transport across the region.
Described as a “once‑in‑a‑generation” change, the new network aims to rebuild a system that is reliable, affordable and genuinely centred around the needs of local people.
The People’s Network sets out a clear ambition: a joined‑up, sustainable transport system serving every community. One that is easy to use, safe, welcoming, and reflects South Yorkshire’s pride, grit and determination to shape its own future.
Once home to a world‑class transport system, South Yorkshire has faced years of rising fares, reduced routes and unreliable services. The brand and vision are underpinned by six principles:
- Freedom and Choice – connecting people to where they want to go
- Prioritising people
- Affordable
- Matching growth ambitions – creating jobs, opportunities, and investment
- Fit for the future
- Safe and easy to use
The transformation is already in motion, supported by £1.5 billion in investment, including:
- £630 million for tram renewal and enhancement
- £350 million to reform and improve bus services
- Trams already returned to public control
- Buses coming under public control from next year
- Reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA)
- Major rail funding secured through Northern Powerhouse Rail
- Investment in walking, wheeling, cycling and road safety
Over the next five years, 25 new trams will join the network, and a full suite of branding and signage will roll out across the region.
The new People’s Network branding uses molten orange, grey and asphalt black – colours inspired by the region’s industrial heritage and its reputation for resilience.
From this summer, the brand will begin appearing on bus stops, shelters and interchanges, as well as tram staff uniforms and a new People’s Network website (replacing Travel South Yorkshire by year‑end).
From next year, it will feature on buses under SYMCA control, bus driver uniforms, the tram network, the Mayor’s South Yorkshire‑wide e‑bike subscription programme, and Sheffield City Council’s e‑bike hire scheme.
Oliver Coppard, South Yorkshire Mayor said:
“Transport isn’t just about getting from A to B. A proper public transport network gives people real freedom and choice about how they travel and move, connects people to opportunity and opens up new horizons.
“But public transport in South Yorkshire has been broken for too long. I promised to make change happen, to give South Yorkshire back the world class public transport system we once had, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.
“That’s why we’re putting in a huge investment to fix our public transport system, backed by even greater ambition, so that we can build something that truly works for all of us across South Yorkshire; a real People’s Network.”
The South Yorkshire People’s Network represents a major cultural and operational shift - one that seeks to restore public confidence, unlock economic growth and build a transport system worthy of the region’s future.
Image credit: iStock
