Public transport boost proposed for Stocksbridge

Residents in Stocksbridge, and the surrounding area, could be about to see their connections to local communities transformed as part of a major boost to the public transport network.

Stocksbridge Towns Fund Board is proposing a new ‘Hopper bus’ be introduced into the area allowing members of the public the chance to travel between important places such as schools and the leisure centre as well as the main town centre.

The hopper bus project has been a key priority for the Stocksbridge Town Board with the majority of funding coming out of the Stocksbridge Towns Fund along with additional money being allocated from the Transport Infrastructure Fund.

Marie Tidball, Member of Parliament for Penistone and Stocksbridge, said: “I’m delighted that we are restoring bus services connecting Stocksbridge, Deepcar and the surrounding villages.

The need for a better bus service is regularly raised with me on the doorstep. That’s why during the election I promised to make connecting our communities with better public transport a top priority.

Every single one of us has the right to use buses and public transport to travel to work and see our families and friends. That’s why I’m so proud that our Towns Fund Board is delivering for our communities.”

Cllr Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “Residents in Stocksbridge have been telling us about the need for improved connectivity in the area and we have listened. These new ‘Hopper buses’ will be a game changer to Stocksbridge and the surrounding villages, allowing people to travel around far easier than they can at the moment.

“As well as improving public transport links in the area, these new buses will also help to improve the health and wellbeing of residents, helping some communities feel less isolated and will help grow the economy in Stocksbridge by promoting tourism, active travel and environmental improvement.”

The design of the exact route the new bus service will take is in the process of being confirmed, with an announcement expected to be made in the near future.