MP warns Barnsley bus services under threat

Mr Dugher is urging bus passengers and local residents to register their opposition to plans scrap the 8 and 8a service – which serves Barnsley, Worsbrough Common, Ward Green, Worsbrough Bridge and Worsbrough Dale - with only a partial replacement.

The plans will also see a reduced service on other routes in Barnsley, including the cancellation of the 37 bus on Saturdays – which serves Barnsley, Lundwood, Cudworth, Shafton, Grimethorpe, Brierley and Hemsworth – from September onwards and which will make it more difficult to get around on public transport.

South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive is holding a consultation on the plans on behalf of the Barnsley Bus Partnership, which is open to the public until 31 July.

Mr Dugher has previously campaigned, as Shadow Transport Secretary, for more power to be put in the hands of passengers and for local authorities to be given the power to set routes and fares, so that passengers and residents can get a better deal.

Many local residents and bus passengers were left stranded at the bus stop when Tates Travel collapsed in February this year, causing major disruption to local services.

Mr Dugher took that case up with the Traffic Commissioner, which issued a fine and an improvement order to Tates before its collapse, and he is now urging Barnsley residents to have their say over the new proposals.

Commenting, Mr Dugher said: “Local residents rightly expect punctual and reliable bus services to get about. What we saw earlier this year with the collapse of Tates Travel is that we need an effective local busses with a network of routes that properly serves the local community.

“Plans to scrap the 8 and 8a service with only a partial replacement, which will hit passengers travelling between Worsbrough and Barnsley Town Centre, as well as reductions to other services including the cancellation of the 37 on Saturdays, which runs from Barnsley through Cudworth, Shafton, Grimethorpe and Brierley in my constituency, could have a major impact on passengers’ daily journeys, meaning it is more difficult to get around.

“It is really important that people have their say on these proposed changes – the consultation is open to the public and anyone can make a submission online. I would encourage all my constituents to visit travelsouthyorkshire.com and defend their local bus services.”