Stagecoach launches integrated Sheffield Transport (Read 407 times)

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Stagecoach launches integrated Sheffield Transport Network



Passengers to benefit from cheaper fares and new services
“Turn-up-and-go” buses every 10 minutes on many routes
Comprehensive bus and tram network covering the city
Stagecoach is set to launch a new, integrated bus and tram network in Sheffield next month, delivering cheaper fares and better services to people in the city.

The company already operates Sheffield’s Supertram service and the innovative plans will offer a combined bus and tram network covering most major routes to and from the city centre.

Stagecoach’s integrated Sheffield network will be a major boost to local people who rely on public transport after suffering four bus fare rises in the last 12 months by the dominant city bus operator, First.

The reliable, value-for-money Stagecoach network will offer weekly tickets nearly 40% cheaper than prices charged by First, with Stagecoach passengers travelling on day tickets also saving around 20%.

Stagecoach passengers will have the added bonus of their tickets also being valid on the company’s trams in Sheffield.

A “turn-up-and-go” package of services will see buses run every 10 minutes on 7 corridors into the city centre during the week. The improved services come into effect on 2 May 2006 when ‘Stagecoach Sheffield’ will be launched under the slogan ‘ By Bus, By Tram, Buy Just One Ticket ’ with the former Yorkshire Terrier vehicles beginning to appear in Stagecoach colours throughout the city.

Brian Souter, Stagecoach Group Chief Executive, said: “For too long bus passengers in Sheffield have had to put up with poor services and rocketing bus fares. These changes will help restore local people’s confidence in the city’s public transport network.

“Passengers will now enjoy cheaper prices, new routes, and more frequent services. With Stagecoach buses and Sheffield Supertram operated by the same company, we are able to offer a comprehensive, value-for-money and integrated public transport network for people in the city. This is just the start of our vision for better services in Sheffield and we will be looking to make further improvements in the future.”

For the first week of the new services, Stagecoach will be offering a weekly ticket for just £5. The standard prices of £2.70 for a Dayrider and £9.50 for a weekly Megarider ticket, both of which are valid for buses and trams, will also represent substantial savings on First prices.

The major package of service improvements includes:
Buses increased from every 12 minutes to every 10 minutes on Service 52 Hillsborough-Crookes-Woodhouse
Service 120 extended further into Fulwood.
New Service 88 / 88a High Green-Sheffield-Bents Green service, operating every 10 minutes.
New Service 83 Ecclesfield-Parsons Cross-Sheffield City Centre service, operating every 10 minutes.
There will be no changes to the following services:
Service 25: Woodhouse-Sheffield-Bradway
Service 37: Meadowhall-Shiregreen-Southey Green-Chapeltown
Service 61: Hillsborough-Bradfield
Service 123: Walkley-Crystal Peaks
Service 201: Sheffield-Hillsborough-Stocksbridge-Meadowhall
Service M22: Sheffield-Firth Park
The improvements follow the acquisition by Stagecoach Group in December 2005 of Traction Group, which includes Yorkshire Terrier services. Vehicles on these services are being rebranded as Stagecoach Sheffield with a new fresh livery.

ENDS
For further information, please contact: Steve Stewart, Head of Media and Public Affairs, Stagecoach Group Tel: [phone] or mobile [phone]

NOTES TO EDITORS
Stagecoach in Sheffield operates a fleet of just over 100 buses from depots at Ecclesfield in the north-east corner of the city and Holbrook in the south-east.
Stagecoach also operates Sheffield Supertram, Britain’s first state-of-the-art tramway, which runs 25 trams on three routes across the city.
First has more than 80% of the bus market in Sheffield
Prices for tickets on First’s network are currently £3.50 for a day ticket and £15 for a weekly ticket. Both cover First bus services only and are not valid on tram services in the city.