South Yorkshire Leads the Way on Bus Safety Transparency

I’m pleased to share some genuinely positive news on the campaign for Bus Safety Data transparency across the UK’s franchised bus networks.

Following my open letter of 31 August 2025 to Oliver Coppard, Mayor of South Yorkshire, I’ve received a detailed and constructive response from Andrew Gates, Director of Strategy, Collaboration and Culture at the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).

While South Yorkshire is still in the early stages of its Bus Reform and Franchising Programme, the response goes further than any other combined authority to date in recognising the need for public transparency and data-led safety governance.

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From SYMCA’s Response:

> “SYMCA recognises the importance of safety and accountability in public transport.

While the Franchising Scheme 2025 and BSIP 2024 do not currently include a formal commitment to publish disaggregated bus safety performance data, the following commitments have already been made:

• SYMCA will assume responsibility for setting service standards and monitoring operator performance under franchising, including safety-related obligations.

• The BSIP 2024 outlines actions to improve personal security and reduce anti-social behaviour across the network.

• SYMCA is committed to strengthening public accountability and transparency as part of the franchising transition.”

Even more encouragingly, the Authority confirmed that as part of its Operations and Safety work packages, it will actively consider:

> • “Introducing quarterly publication of bus safety performance data, including collisions, injuries, and near misses.

• Developing a Bus Safety Data Framework with clear standards and validation protocols.

• Embedding safety KPIs into franchising and BSIP reporting.

• Consulting with the public and workforce on the format and accessibility of published safety data.”

This is the most comprehensive written commitment yet from any regional transport authority to consider publishing bus safety data under a franchising model — something Transport for London has done since 2014 but no other region has yet matched.

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My Response to SYMCA:

I wrote back to thank Mr Gates and Mayor Coppard for their constructive engagement and to emphasise how important this commitment could be:

> “I am extremely encouraged by your acknowledgment of the importance of transparency and accountability, and by the clear commitments outlined in your letter — particularly the consideration of quarterly publication of bus safety data, the development of a Bus Safety Data Framework, and the integration of safety KPIs into franchising and BSIP reporting.

South Yorkshire has a genuine opportunity to set the standard for how franchising can strengthen safety culture through openness and accountability.”

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Why This Matters

This marks a real shift.  Across Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, and the West Midlands, bus authorities have so far promised to collect safety data — but not to publish it.

South Yorkshire’s willingness to actively explore public reporting, KPI integration, and consultation shows leadership and vision.

If implemented, it would make South Yorkshire the first combined authority outside London to commit to treating bus safety data as a matter of public record — not a private or commercial issue.

That is exactly what transparency looks like in practice.

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🟩 “Safety must never be a commercial secret.”

#BusSafety #Transparency #SouthYorkshire #SYMCA #OliverCoppard #PublicAccountability #BeeNetwork