News: First announce new transport link to the Dearne Valley

First is investing £2.5m in new buses and creating dozens of new jobs as it launches new bus routes in the Dearne Valley and Doncaster areas.

From May, the new Service 22 will connect Rotherham to Barnsley taking in the important economic area at Manvers. The service will run every 10 minutes providing new links Monday to Saturday approximately 7am to 7pm.

Bob Hamilton, Managing Director for First in South Yorkshire, said: "Our aim is to stimulate market growth and is part of a number of our plans and initiatives over the coming months to grow the number of bus passengers within the South Yorkshire region, a trend we have seen growing positively in recent months.

"This builds on our announcement last year to hold the price of our bus fares. Our multi-million pound investment in buses and jobs is a very positive step for both First and the local communities that we serve and will help deliver further success across South Yorkshire.

"The Dearne Valley has many businesses, colleges and schools that need better transport links and we are keen to provide a high frequency service that introduces these new and improved transport links."

With an office and depot on Midland Road, Rotherham, First in South Yorkshire operates 500 buses, employing a team of 1,600 people as part of the international bus and rail company, Firstgroup.

First South Yorkshire website

Images: firstgroup.com