Dear Mayor Oliver Coppard,

Let's be honest, buses in South Yorkshire are terrible. But this isn't just anecdotal, it's in all the numbers as well. On the most recent numbers released, passenger numbers have dropped since 2017. So has punctuality, reliability, and customer satisfaction. The same trend can be seen longer term as well.

The current 'partnership' with the bus companies puts them in the driving seat. And their short-term businesses decisions have led us into a downward spiral. We need to put the brakes on.

London, which was not subject to bus deregulation in 1986, has seen decade upon decade increases in bus patronage and millage.

We believe that bus franchising will be a long-term solution to these problems, allowing bus operators and local authorities to work collaboratively to improve bus services and realise untapped growth potentials in regional and rural areas.

Under the Bus Services Act 2017, you have the power to enact bus franchising and this was agreed in the original 2015 Sheffield City Region devolution deal.

While your predecessor sadly sat on his hands, bringing in the franchising model for our buses was in your election manifesto. We therefore call on you to:

• Give notice to immediately terminate the Bus Partnership Agreement.
• Run an active media campaign to support public transport.
• Undertake a review of existing bus priority measures in order to deliver a more reliable, greener and efficient bus service.
• Support the introduction of a statutory bus quality contract in Sheffield

Creating a bus service that is fit for use is absolutely crucial to help us tackle climate change and help our economy recover.

We urge you to enact these changes and help get Sheffield back on track.

Regards,