Coronavirus: bus timetables change in Sheffield, Doncaster and South Yorkshire

Monday to Friday services will be reduced to a Saturday timetable, however some extra buses will be put on a peak times, it has been confirmed.

The South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive blamed a fall in demand on the number of people self isolating and working from home, along with the closure of schools.

This lack of demand, along with staff absences due to self isolation, has meant that the bus companies have had to reduce their services.

Tim Taylor, Director of Customer Services for South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive, said: “We know many people still need to travel to work, including key workers, or to support family and friends.

“These timetable changes will keep the bus network running for essential journeys, while responding to the impact this unprecedented situation has had on the demand for public transport in the region.”

Phil Medlicott, Managing Director, Stagecoach Yorkshire, added: “Along with other bus operators and key sectors, we are working hard to support the national effort to tackle the current challenging situation. The safety of our customers and our employees is at the heart of everything we do. We also know that our bus services play a vital role in keeping the country running and ensuring key sector personnel get to work.”

And Garry Birmingham, Managing Director of First South Yorkshire, said: “It’s important to emphasise that this is a fast-moving and unprecedented challenge. We are monitoring new developments as they happen and will respond accordingly to keep all our customers informed of any further changes.”

Due to the closure of schools to most pupils, the majority of dedicated school bus services will cease.

Most schools are served by commercial timetabled services, however in isolated areas some school buses may continue to operate for the time being.

Details of the revised timetables, and the latest updates on tram and rail services, can be found here.