In August, with no notice or discussion, Stagecoach indefinitely cut their evening bus service in Thurnscoe.
It’s really disappointing that Stagecoach has taken this decision. The bus service is a lifeline to people in Thurnscoe. They rely on it to go to work, school and college and access services outside of the village.
Thurnscoe is not unique in experiencing issues with anti-social behaviour. The number of incidents is lower than other areas in South Yorkshire which still have their bus service. We have asked Stagecoach for their thresholds for removing services indefinitely.
We agree that the safety of staff and customers is paramount. This is why we’re working with the local community, South Yorkshire Police and South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority to dramatically reduce instances of anti-social behaviour in the area. We’re not saying that there are no issues, but it’s a minority ruining local services for the majority.
We’re working together to press for the reintroduction of the Thurnscoe evening service.
Cllr Sir Steve Houghton CBE, Leader of Barnsley Council, said: “The people of Thurnscoe depend on this bus service. People need to travel for work and college and to access vital services. Life doesn’t stop after 6pm.
“Under our Joining Forces partnership, our Safer Neighbourhood Team and South Yorkshire Police are working with the community in Thurnscoe to proactively reduce anti-social behaviour, and it’s working.
“Stagecoach has cut off a community based on inconsistent thresholds across their services, and it doesn’t seem right or fair. Of course, we want everyone to be safe, and we’re committed to working with our partners and Stagecoach to get the service reinstated.”
Oliver Coppard, Mayor of South Yorkshire, said “It is deeply disappointing that Stagecoach will not listen to the evidence or use their common sense.
“Stagecoach should look again at the evidence - there is no good reason why buses should not be running through Thurnscoe at any time or be there when the community needs them.
“Public transport is a public service, and this is just more evidence of the broken system we’re being asked to accept in South Yorkshire, where companies like Stagecoach have almost total control. They’re letting us down on a daily basis and causing misery to hundreds if not thousands of people.”
