A resolution has been reached to replace the school bus service previously operated by BrightBus . The Seventy-eight green painted BrightBus school services operated in South Yorkshire, carried over 12,000 pupils per day.
Urgent action by transport bosses will mean school buses facing the axe can continue to run come September. South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) has stepped in to coordinate cover for all 78 routes at risk after the BrightBus company announced its closure – finding replacement or alternative travel for all 32 affected schools. Backed by the local authorities, £225,699 of emergency public funding will also be provided for the next academic year (2017/18) to support services carrying children entitled to free travel. SYPTE Director of Public Transport, Ben Gilligan, said: “Since BrightBus announced its closure, we have been dedicated to making sure as many school services as possible can continue to run come September.
“Working closely with bus companies and affected schools, and with the support of the local authorities, we are pleased to have been able to put alternative travel arrangements in place for all routes at risk, and that there is a positive outcome to what could have been a different picture.
“While we have explored every avenue, the situation does mean some pupils will not have the direct links previously provided by BrightBus. Together with the schools, we are now focused on supporting those currently using the small number of services that will not be covered to plan alternative travel on the local bus network ahead of the start of next term.”
BrightBus closure of Business – alternative school bus services
The replacement or alternative bus services available from September for the 32 affected schools in South Yorkshire, following the closure of BrightBus has been agreed between SYPTE and local bus operators.
Steps taken by South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE)
SYPTE has been working closely with commercial bus companies, local authorities and affected schools to put alternative services in place come September, following BrightBus’ announced closure in April this year.
All 78 routes to the 32 schools affected will have replacement services or alternative travel arrangements in place for the start of next term.
We will continue to work with schools to support pupils currently using the small number of services that will not be directly replaced to plan alternative travel on the local bus network ahead of the start of the new academic year.
Revised bus timetable information
Revised timetable information for schools currently served by BrightBus will be available from today at travelsouthyorkshire.com/brightbus.
Journey planning
Journey planning information for parents and pupils can also be found on our journey planning page, via Traveline on 01709 51 51 51 or Twitter @TSYalerts.
Value for money tickets
Pupils travelling to school using local bus services may benefit from single and multi-operator tickets offering unlimited day, weekly and monthly travel at a discounted price for young people. More information is available on our child tickets and passes page.
Kind regards
Rachel Cowling
Communications Officer – External Relations
Telephone No. 0114 2211491
Mobile No. 07767 384563
e-mail: Rachel.Cowling@SYPTE.co.uk