Mayor unveils 1.5bn People's Network' transport plan for South Yorkshire

"The vision for that transport network is joined up. It's sustainable. It's one that puts people at its very heart. It's affordable. And we will make those principles real in everything that we do going forward."

"About 1.5bn of investment from devolved funding settlements will go into the network over the next five years, including 630m toward renewal and enhancement of the Supertram system and 350m for buses."

"We are referencing the coal, the steel, the industrial heritage, the spark of ingenuity, that South Yorkshire is so famous for. We are incredibly proud of the history and heritage. I grew up in a place called the People's Republic of South Yorkshire."

South Yorkshire's mayor Oliver Coppard unveiled the People's Network, a unified public transport system combining trams, buses, and hire bikes under regional control. The initiative will introduce a large fleet of electric buses and 25 new trams over five years, with buses transitioning to public franchising in 2027. The Supertram was already brought under public control in 2024. The network will receive £1.5bn in investment, including £630m for Supertram renewal and £350m for buses. About 70% of the bus fleet will be electric by 2027, with 186 zero-emission buses already confirmed for Sheffield. The scheme features distinctive molten orange and asphalt black branding, referencing South Yorkshire's industrial heritage. Mayor Coppard aims to offer free travel to under-18s and expand funding for road safety and active travel initiatives.

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