Connecting people to opportunity
Connected communities are more resilient and will help in building a more thriving, inclusive, and sustainable society.
A new mainline rail station at Parkgate promises to transform our transport network, providing faster, direct access to regional and national destinations. With a connection to the tram train network, improvements to walking and cycling routes will also connect the station to the town centre.
Connectivity also means getting people online. The Council will support residents to access the benefits of the digital world; from accessing essential services, to staying in touch with family and friends, or doing the weekly shop. Alongside this, we will focus on developing the digital skills that are vital in today’s economy.
The differences you will see:
Progress towards the new mainline station to create an integrated transport network, which will provide access to local, regional and national destinations
The centrepiece of our transport plans is Rotherham Gateway Station, the new mainline rail station at Parkgate. Expected to be open 2031, the station will reintroduce mainline trains for the first time since the 1980s. Located at Parkgate the station will have both rail and tram services. It is part of an ambitious long-term vision that will also feature a business centre and innovation campus.
Support the franchising of South Yorkshire’s buses by the Mayor, subject to the completion of the statutory process
As many as half of the local bus routes have been lost since 2010. We are already committing more Council funding to support local bus services, and we will maintain these increases until 2028. But there is also a need for more radical change. Subject to the statutory tests and processes being met, we will support South Yorkshire’s buses being franchised by the Mayor.
Work with SYMCA to bring the first demand responsive bus service to Rotherham
We will work with SYMCA in support of their work to bring forward a pilot Demand Responsive Transport service, to improve public transport options for rural communities that have limited options using traditional bus services. The learnings from this pilot project will inform the potential further roll-out of Demand Responsive Transport in the borough.
We will also work with SYMCA to enable more people to make sustainable travel choices in the borough. This includes deliver walking, wheeling and cycling schemes that improve air quality and encourage people to spend more time outdoors. These schemes will improve individual health, keep pedestrians safer, reduce traffic and encourage people to reduce their carbon footprint.
