Introduction and Overview 

1.1 Who runs Optio?  

Optio is run by the Sheffield and South Rotherham Partnership - a voluntary partnership between bus operators First, Stagecoach, TM Travel and the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE). SYPTE and the bus operators are acting upon customer feedback, which was gathered in the consultation for the Vision for Buses in South Rotherham and Sheffield in 2010. Customers fed back their concerns and highlighted issues which they were keen to see resolved.

1.2 What area does this Bus Partnership cover?  

Phase 1 of the Bus Partnership, that launched on 24 July 2011 covered the Fulwood – Sheffield – Halfway route and also covered routes to Birley, Dyke Vale and Mosborough.

Phase 2 of the Bus Partnership launched on 30 October focuses on Bus Service 52 from Hillsborough – Crookes – Sheffield – Darnall – Handsworth – Woodhouse – Woodhouse Hill.

1.3 What are the benefits of this Bus Partnership?  

The Voluntary Partnership will offer bus users more choice, is seeking to increase the overall number of people using bus services in the Sheffield and South Rotherham area and it will encourage those who don’t use public transport to do so. Feedback shows that customers rate factors such as a simple, more reliable and punctual public transport network as high priority. The aim with Optio is to provide a more stable and reliable service. The partnership aims to improve punctuality and provides better coordination of bus services. This will allow customers to purchase selected tickets allowing travel on all participating operators' buses on the designated routes.

1.4 Is the tram included in the scheme?  

No, this is a bus-only scheme.

1.5 Has a brand name or logo been introduced to market and promote this new initiative?  

The first phase covering Fulwood – Sheffield Centre – Halfway is known as Optio Orange. The second phase covering Hillsborough – Sheffield – Woodhouse is known as Optio Red. 

Tickets valid along this route and on specific services will be called Optio Orange or Optio Red tickets as relevant to each scheme.

1.6 Will there be a reduction in buses as part of this initiative?  

The coordinated timetable will result in more efficient use of buses leading to reduced congestion and pollution. The operators have committed to reinvest saved buses into other parts of the Sheffield and South Rotherham Partnership.