Doncaster Green Party call on Dan Jarvis to replace popular Doncaster town centre bus service with environmentally friendly alternative

A petition set up by Doncaster Green Party earlier this year calling for the return a town centre circular, which saw a small single-decker bus run from Doncaster Bus Station to the market, was signed by over 1,100 people.

Campaigners were subsequently invited to present their ideas to South Yorkshire Mayor Dan Jarvis at the Mayoral Combined Authority meeting on Monday, November 18.

Kate Needham, Green Party parliamentary candidate for Don Valley, outlined the need for an electric bus, powered by renewables.

She says that it would give residents and visitors, particularly the elderly and the disabled, the chance to avoid the obstacle course between bus terminus and market.

“It’s not hard to imagine the boost it would be to hardworking market traders, having their customers dropped just outside their stall,” Kate said.

She added: “People who want to leave their car at home in the evenings could catch the bus at the station, go see a show at the Cast Theatre, enjoy a meal and a drink and then be

dropped off back at the station to catch the bus or train home.

“It’s clear that such a safe, clean and convenient service will encourage people on to public transport helping Doncaster town centre move to having car-free streets.

“Safer for pedestrians and cyclists, making Doncaster a breathable town.”

Speaking after the meeting, Peter Dale, director of regeneration and environment at the council, said: “We continue to look at the potential for a circular bus route around the town centre and would work closely with bus operators to see if there is sufficient demand to make a service viable.

“Residents and visitors can use the numerous existing bus services to get between different parts of the town centre and we would always encourage people to walk if they can, as that is the best option for our environment. We continue to make improvements to accessibility in the town.

South Yorkshire mayor Dan Jarvis has been approached for comment.