A NEW bus service from Denby Dale to Barnsley was right on time as it set off on its maiden journey last weekend.
Bus service 95 connecting Barnsley and High Hoyland with Clayton West, Scissett, Denby Dale and Skelmanthorpe has been introduced following lobbying from local residents and councillors after a successful Christmas bus scheme last year.
The new hourly service, part of a £½m council initiative to improve rural transport, will be trialled until January 2009 on a use it or lose it basis with the hope that enough passengers will hop on board to make it a viable long term operation.
Chairman of the Denby Dale Area Committee, Clr Elaine Ward, who proposed the scheme, was on hand to see the first number 95 head off on its inauguraljourney.
‘It’s a trial for six months, so it’s up to people to use it’
She said: “It’s doing a loop from Barnsley Interchange up to The Grove at Skelmanthorpe so people have got the freedom of choice. It’s a trial for six months, so it’s up to people to use it.
“It’s what people wanted so I do hope it’s well used.”
Clr Martyn Bolt, the Kirklees Council spokesman for Metro, said: “This is a service that residents in south Kirklees have been asking for. The bus is being funded by Metro and Kirklees Council until January 2009.
“We will then review the service to see how people are using it and make sure it is giving value for money. It really is now up to the people in the area to make the most of this service.”
Clr David Hall, Kirklees Cabinet member for transport, said: “The Cabinet is pleased to support this trial as part of our commitment to improving rural transport services.
“It is the first of a series of measures we will be implementing over three years after consultation with local residents and councillors,” he added.
