South Yorkshire bus growth boosted by free fares day 

A free travel day designed to celebrate a landmark achievement by leading bus operator Stagecoach Yorkshire has generated more than 20,000 additional passenger journeys across the region.

The company recorded an average 40.4 per cent increase in passenger numbers across all routes throughout Barnsley, Rotherham, Doncaster and Mexborough on Saturday May 17.

Stagecoach’s most popular routes on the day were the 6 (Barnsley – Kendray) and X19 (Barnsley - Doncaster/Robin Hood Airport) which saw an increase of 90.8 per cent and 88.1 per cent respectively.

The Free Fares Day was launched as a thank-you to customers for their loyalty following the company’s extensive service improvements a year ago, which have lead to 3.2 per cent growth in passengers overall and a 5 per cent increase in the number of adult fare paying passengers.

Stagecoach Yorkshire commercial director Rupert Cox said: The Free Fares Day was a huge success and great way to show our gratitude to customers for their loyalty over the past 12 months.

There has been a very positive response to all the service changes we made a year ago and this has been reflected in passenger numbers. The network is more reliable and punctual and our new marketing initiatives have helped to communicate the changes and highlight that we are determined to give customers the best possible service.

The company’s revamp of services last May followed a major review which took into account feedback from key stakeholders, including the Passenger Transport Executives in South and West Yorkshire, customers, staff and councillors.

The new structure included a number of new routes, extended routes, timetable changes to improve reliability and improved frequency on some services.

Stagecoach Yorkshire has invested in 30 new buses in the last 12 months, 13 in Doncaster, ten at its Shafton depot and seven in Barnsley, and plans to introduce more during the summer. A total of 70 per cent of the fleet is low floor making it easier for passengers to board and alight.