The people of Stocksbridge and the surrounding area will this weekend be able to take advantage of new bus services better connecting the town.
The two routes are the latest developments in the work undertaken by the Stocksbridge Towns Fund projects.
From Sunday (20th July), a new number 35 daily circular service will better link the town with the Fox Valley Shopping Centre.
The service will run between 6.30am and 6.10pm on Monday to Friday – one every 20 minutes as of 8.30am. It will then run from 7.10am to 6.10pm on Saturdays, again with one every 20 minutes from 8.30am, and hourly between 10.10am and 4.10pm on Sundays.
The service will be provided by South Pennine Community Transport, who already run several established services in the area.
Starting at Fox Valley Way in Stocksbridge, during the weekday full service it will stop at the following streets across Stocksbridge and Deepcar:
On Sundays, the following roads in Bolsterstone will be added:
As well as this, South Pennine will be extending the number 34 bus service that will run as far as the village of Bolstersone. This will restore a bus service for the residents of the village.
This will better link Stocksbridge to Barnsley via Deepcar, Pilley, Stainborough, Gilroyd and Kingstone. It will provide strong transport links to both Northern College and Barnsley town centre.
Both routes are intended to transform local connectivity, with the 35 route operating as a ‘hopper bus’-style community service. As well as linking residential areas with the town’s key facilities, they provide links with the wider network into Sheffield and Barnsley and other key regional locations.
Marie Tidball MP, Member of Parliament for Penistone and Stocksbridge and Co-Chair of the Stocksbridge Towns Fund Board, said: “I am absolutely delighted the 35 hopper bus is being restored to our communities, along with the restoration of the 34 route to Bolsterstone, as part of the Stocksbridge Towns Fund projects.
“As your MP, restoring our vital bus routes is one of my top priorities. Since becoming Co-Chair of the Towns Fund Board, I have been laser focused on ensuring our Towns Fund delivers real change for residents across our communities.
“I have been championing this hopper bus project, including ensuring the number 35 includes Deepcar, along with my fellow Board members and local Councillors.
“The number 35 will run as a circular to around Stocksbridge and Deepcar, linking up Fox Valley with the high school, leisure centre, and Deepcar Medical Centre, and restoring the extension to the number 34 will be a crucial link for Bolsterstone.
“Buses are a lifeline to connect our communities, ensuring everyone can reach school, education, and to see family and friends. I regularly listen to residents on the doorstep who tell me the difference the restoration of these routes will make, and I am so pleased to have worked as Co-Chair of the Towns Fund to deliver this fantastic project for our communities.”
Yuri Matischen, Co-Chair of the Stocksbridge Towns Fund Board, said: “We have long-heard from the residents of Stocksbridge and the surrounding area that they want better connectivity, and more options when it comes to travelling.
“Mobility is vital for people. Not just within their hometown, but connecting them to major towns and cities in the surrounding area to take advantage of working opportunities, leisure facilities, sports facilities, retail outlets and culture.
“We are delighted to welcome these services to our town. We hope residents will take advantage of them and get into the town centre to see the many amenities Stocksbridge has to offer.”
Cllr Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “Working alongside South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, we’ve helped fund a vital new service that will open up access to jobs, education and for people to go to the shops - especially important in such a hilly part of the city.
“This comes as we prepare to bring buses back under public control across Sheffield in 2027 - and this new service is a step in the right direction, showing what’s possible when we invest in public transport that works for local people.
“Improving transport connections was a key ambition of the Stocksbridge Towns Fund, and it’s great to see local residents now benefiting from these changes.
“But this is just the beginning. The Towns Fund Board will continue pushing ahead with a full programme of improvements - bringing the change that the people of Stocksbridge have long been waiting for.”
Route information and updates for both of these services can be found on the Travel South Yorkshire website. Here, you can also plan your journey as well as book tickets in advance and check for any disruptions on your route ahead of travelling.