Doncaster MP calls on South Yorkshire Mayor to introduce free city centre bus service

The Labour MP representing the heart of Doncaster is launching a campaign to bring a free bus service to the city centre, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) can reveal.

Sally Jameson, MP for Doncaster Central, wants to see a “hopper bus service” introduced to help people navigate the large city centre.

She told the LDRS: “My office is in the Frenchgate centre and when I’m visiting city centre businesses, I see people walking with heavy shopping bags long distances to get to their car or the Interchange.

“By introducing a hopper bus service, people can hop-on-hop-off and get around the centre easier.”

The MP said she would be lobbying the Mayor of South Yorkshire, Oliver Coppard, to introduce such a service when buses are brought back into public control in the city in 2027.

The suggested route will go from Doncaster Interchange, to Waterdale and the Civic Quarter, around Printing Office Street, Priory Place, Hall Gate, to Market Road and back to the Interchange.

Ms Jameson said: “This circular route will mean people can stop off at our key shopping and cultural areas – including the market and civic quarter – and get back on so they don’t have to walk and carry their shopping as far.

“This will especially benefit residents who have difficulty walking and carry shopping long distances. I envisage our local businesses and business owners will see an increase in footfall as people are able to better move around the centre.”

The MP said she has the support of the Doncaster Mayor, Ros Jones, as well as the councillor representing the city centre – Rob Dennis, Gemma Cobby and Majid Khan.

“When I speak to residents and businesses, people mention how difficult it can be to get around the centre,” she said.

“With the South Yorkshire People’s Network coming in September 2027, it’s the right time to launch this campaign and tell Mayor Coppard that we want a hopper bus, just like the Sheffield Connect bus,” she added.

Sheffield has had the Connect service running in its city centre since it was relaunched in March 2024 and has seen usage increase year-on-year.

It now has two routes connecting numerous key destinations in the city centre, including the railway station, Sheffield City Hall, Sheffield Cathedral and The Moor Markets.

Ms Jameson is asking residents to sign her online petition, which is to be shared on her social media pages.