LOCALS are being encouraged to attend a number of drop-in events to learn more about proposals to take bus services back under control.

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority are putting on the events as part of a public consultation to get the views of people, businesses, and organisations in the region on proposals to introduce bus franchising.

Under bus franchising, SYMCA would take control of the bus network including depots, bus fleets, routes, timetables, service standards, tickets and fares.

SYMCA’s chief executive, Martin Swales OBE, said: “It is vital that we hear from the public, businesses, and a range of organisations about what they think about our proposals to bring bus services back under public control through bus franchising.

“We want to bring the consultation to the attention of the public.

“That’s why I would urge as many people as possible to attend and have their say, so we can decide the best way forward to a better-connected region that works for everyone who lives and works here.”

There are a number of events taking place in Barnsley over the next few weeks.

The first will take place at the Digital Media Centre in the town centre on November 21, between 5pm and 7pm.

On December 2, a drop-in session will be held at Goldthorpe’s Pentecostal Church, on Market Street, between 5pm and 7pm.

Whilst on December 3, Penistone Library will also host an event between 10am and 2pm.

You can sign up to the events on the SYMCA’s website.

Public consultation on the proposals ends on January 15.