Plain text version:

Over recent weeks many constituents have contacted me about the bus service cuts to the 52a service from Wisewood and Wadsley, the 135 service that connected Fox Hill to Hillsborough and the city centre, and the 32 which covered much of the constituency and served the Northern General Hospital. These changes came into effect on Sunday. I remain very concerned by these changes and the reports of confusion and unsuitable replacement services I received yesterday.

The current bus system in Sheffield and South Yorkshire is not fit for purpose, changes made over the weekend show that more clearly than ever. The vast majority of changes were made on a commercial basis by bus companies. This is the case with the changes to both the 52a and 135. I am pleased that the SYMCA continues to seek a provider for the 32 service and hope that one will come forward as soon as possible.

After raising concerns with First last week the response I received did not acknowledge my request to meet. I am disappointed by this and I am now in contact with SYMCA to ensure that they are fully aware of the situation in Wisewood and Fox Hill. I am also raising my concerns about the display of new timetables in bus stops and on travel apps.

I will continue to monitor this situation and push the Government to provide the public with the means of taking control of their bus services again, as the next Labour Government will do.