Sheffield Connect saw the launch of four brand new free electric buses last week.
The service, previously known as ‘FreeBee’, has been rebranded and pledges to provide an easier and more sustainable travel experience for the people of Sheffield.
South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “We’re delighted to see the very first fully electric buses arrive in South Yorkshire.”
Sheffield Connect was launched on April 8 and features two new routes. SC1 serves the city centre and runs every 7-8 minutes, whilst SC2 will serve a wider area, and run every 20 minutes. Both services run seven days a week.
The Mayor also promises further electric buses will be launched in Sheffield in the near future.
Previously, the ‘FreeBee’ service could be used for free after purchasing a tram or bus ticket, otherwise the fee was £1.
The people of Sheffield also complained that the white minibus service wasn’t widely recognisable.
However, the single-decker buses are now a vibrant green colour and are promoted in many places around the city.
Con Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Committee, said: “This is an important and exciting moment in the history of Sheffield.”
“This is just the start, we have other brilliant plans for our public transport network right across the city as we work to give Sheffielders the network they and the city deserves for decades to come.”
The new electric and free service fits with Sheffield’s pledge to make transport more accessible and work towards a carbon-neutral transport system.
The buses are publicly owned by South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority and were provided by the Alexander Dennis – BYD partnership. In the same month Sheffield buses and trams have also been put back in public ownership.
Green Party councillor for City ward Ruth Mersereau said: “This bus service will make it easier for people to get around the city centre. It provides a link between Sheffield Railway Station and key parts of the city at no cost to passengers.”
For more information on timetables and routes visit https://www.travelsouthyorkshire.com/en-GB/LandingPage/Sheffield-Connect
