Throughout the next few weeks South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive, Sheffield City Council and Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, are calling for the public to give their views about the northern Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) scheme – a proposed high-frequency, limited stop service between Sheffield and Rotherham.
BRT would combine high-quality vehicles with bus priority measures to get people to their destinations quicker.
The service would feature modern vehicles with environmentally-friendly engines and low-floor access. The interior would be attractive and could have features like recorded next-stop announcements, comfier seating and double glazing.
Journey times and punctuality would be improved by having limited stops between Rotherham and Sheffield. There will also be improved junctions and new traffic signal technology to reduce delays.
The northern route would link Sheffield and Rotherham passing Meadowhall and the Lower Don Valley and would help to foster economic growth along the corridor by helping people access jobs and opportunities. It would also serve the planned £300 million River Don Development.
Consultation has already been held on the southern route of the scheme, which would run from Sheffield city centre, along the Parkway to proposed new development at Waverley and onto Rotherham Interchange.
The consultation period for the northern route starts this week (29 June) and runs until the end of July. People can make their views known in a number of ways: By calling 0845 602 7747, by logging onto www.sy-busrapidtransit.co.uk, or by completing the leaflets which will be delivered to households and available from the 100 Community Access Points along the proposed route.
On the website, users will also be able to view a DigiBrief – a short film blending aerial footage with visualisations and animated maps, setting out the proposals in an easy to understand way.
Coun Gerald Smith, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Planning and Transportation for Rotherham Borough Council, and a member of South Yorkshire Integrated Transport Authority, urged the public to take part in the consultation.
He added: "I am sure that anyone with an interest in public transport, particularly those who travel between Rotherham and Sheffield, will want to have their say on this issue.
“The Bus Rapid Transit will be much faster than the current services because of the limited stops between the two destinations. This is all explained on the website and the Integrated Transport Authority wants to hear the public's views so they can develop more detailed proposals."
David Brown, SYPTE Director General, said: “The growth and success of Sheffield and Rotherham rely upon high quality transport links which provide access to jobs and services.
“The introduction of BRT North will provide a reliable, clean and fast means of transport between the two centres, serving key existing and future employment sites.”
Replies to the consultation should be directed to Gillian Palmer on 0114 221 1285. Alternatively, send an email to enquiries@-busrapidtransit.co.uk