Regular, affordable and reliable public transport is vital to the wellbeing of our local communities
Good transport isn't just about getting from A to B – it’s about connecting people with well-paid jobs, training and education, hospital appointments, shops and other people, and it’s central to the development and sustainability of our local communities and the opportunities available to the people in them.
That’s why I’m working with a wide range of stakeholders, local groups and the Government to improve local bus and train services across the towns and villages of Penistone and Stocksbridge.
The Mayor of South Yorkshire is responsible for planning and funding our public transport network to meet the needs of everyone in the county. But, despite the significant central government funding we've received communities like Penistone, Stocksbridge and the surrounding villages are being neglected by public transport decision making that prioritises cities and major towns.
Government funding for local transport in our area
Bus Service Improvement Funding - £6.3 million of extra funding to improve and support bus services, given in two tranches of £3,151,353
Bus fare cap extended - £200 million to cap bus fares at £2 outside London until the end of October 2023 and then at £2.50 until 30 November 2024
Bus fare cap - £60 million to cap bus fares at £2.00 from January-March 2023
Bus Recovery Grant extension - £130 million of extra funding (October 2022 to March 2023) to support bus services across the country as they seek to increase post pandemic passenger numbers, in total over £2 billion in funding has been provided
City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement - £570 million five-year funding devolved to SYMCA to invest in transport infrastructure across the county. Local projects decided by SYMCA include: upgrades to bus infrastructure, such as interchanges, waiting shelters, real-time passenger information, and priority bus lanes; investment in active travel routes for cycling and walking, including the Trans-Pennine Trail; accessibility improvements at train stations, including lifts to platforms at Chapeltown and integration of a new Park & Ride at Penistone; and critical upgrade and renewal of the Supertram network, replacing track and infrastructure as well as improving tram stops and refurbishment or replacement of trams.
Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas - £8.4 million for South Yorkshire investment in Zero Emission Buses. Initially trialled on routes in Barnsley and around central Sheffield, with a fleet of electric buses due on our roads in 2023.
Transforming Cities Fund - £166 million to improve public transport, walking, and cycling infrastructure across South Yorkshire. Projects currently being developed using this money include improvements to facilities and accessibility at Barnsley station, a network of active travel routes connecting Sheffield city centre to the suburbs, and better road access to the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District.
Light Rail Restart Revenue Grant - more than £17 million provided by the Government to fund the continued operation and restart of Supertram services due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Huge falls in passenger numbers would have bankrupted Supertram and possibly led to the loss of the entire network without this emergency funding.
Supported Bus Services Funding - £13,000 to support the continuation of bus services provided by South Pennine Community Transport in rural areas such as Penistone, Thurlstone, Millhouse Green, Thurgoland, Wortley, and Crane Moor.
Restoring Your Railway - £50,000 awarded to SYMCA to fund the development of the Strategic Outline Business Case for my plan to restore passenger services on the existing freight line between Stocksbridge and Sheffield. This work is currently being undertaken by SYMCA and will be submitted to the Government later this year.
Access for All - a £20 million fund to improve disabled access at smaller railway stations across the country. This included money for improvements at Dodworth and Silkstone Common stations in our constituency.
Hope Valley Line Upgrade - a £137 million investment in the Hope Valley Line between Sheffield and Manchester. This will see upgrades to track and signalling to allow for extra services each hour and faster trains to run between the two cities, helping to connect South Yorkshire to the North West and beyond.
A61 Westwood Roundabout - £18.6 million to fund improvements to the A61 Westwood Roundabout and install new technology along the A628 to improve journey time reliability.
