COUNCILLORS on a scrutiny panel have referred their concerns over public transport services in Barnsley to Sheffield City Region bosses.
The panel’s chairman, Coun Jeff Ennis, will take a role on a working party – known as the Bus Review – which was formed by Mayor Dan Jarvis, who is also the MP for Barnsley Central.
Coun Ennis, who delivered a report to the council’s ruling cabinet members on Wednesday, said: “Committee members raised concerns regarding public transport services both to and from Barnsley as well as connectivity around the borough.
“Given the role of Sheffield City Region and current work being undertaken, the committee felt the issues raised would be better served by oversight and scrutiny by the regional committee, therefore a formal referral was made to them.
“We’re the first local authority to refer an issue and we’ll be looking to make improvements on the working party later this year.”
The panel will be chaired by Clive Betts, MP for Sheffield South East, and will examine all aspects of South Yorkshire’s bus services before providing recommendations of where improvements can be made.
Dan added: “This should mean more environmentally-friendly buses, more routes and more passengers. It’s critical that we improve the transport system in our region to create better access to major employment sites, reduce congestion, better integrate different modes of transport and make our transport network fit for the 21st century.
“One of the main issues residents contact me about is bus services across our region. We need to understand the reasons for declining passenger numbers and take action where improvements are needed.”
