South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) is launching a new flexible public transport service on Monday 3 August called OnDemand Powered by South Yorkshire People’s Network (SYPN) and Via, offering residents in Doncaster and Rotherham more ways to travel when and where they need.
What is OnDemand?
OnDemand is part of our plan to build a better, more connected public transport network for South Yorkshire. It is not replacing buses, it works alongside them, helping more people reach the wider network including buses, trams and trains. By testing new ways of travelling, we’re making sure future services work for the people who rely on them most.
The service is part of a 12-month Demand Responsive Transport Pilot, led by SYMCA on behalf of RMBC and CDC, designed to test flexible transport in areas where fixed bus services are limited or not currently viable.
This is a pioneering service that lets passengers’ book shared bus journeys through the SYPN OnDemand app, online – visit sypn.gov.uk/ondemand for details – or by calling 0114 504 6107, with no fixed routes or timetables. Passengers can book journeys up to seven days in advance or as little as one hour before travel using the mobile app or a dedicated contact centre.
Where will OnDemand operate?
From Monday 3 August, the pilot will run across parts of Doncaster – including Askern and surrounding communities – connecting to places like Carcroft Business Park, South Elmsall and Red House Industrial Estates. As well as part of Rotherham – connecting neighbourhoods to places like Rotherham Hospital, Meadowhall and key transport hubs in both locations.
Designed to improve connections in areas where traditional services are limited, OnDemand will help people access jobs, education, healthcare and key destinations across Doncaster and Rotherham. Unlike conventional bus routes, OnDemand uses intelligent technology to group passengers travelling in the same direction, offering a flexible, efficient and affordable service.
Fares and operating hours
Fares will start from £3 per journey for adults, £1 for under 19-year-olds with a Zoom Travel Pass, or free/discounted travel for concessions pass holders. Passengers will also be able to use their TravelMaster tickets and buy TravelMaster day passes on board and on the app. The service will run from Monday to Saturday between 5am and 6pm.
The pilot will run for 12 months, with data and customer feedback used to inform future public transport planning across South Yorkshire.
How is this being communicated to the community?
We will be hosting public drop-in events to provide the opportunity to find out more about OnDemand and how to use it in July and August:
Doncaster
• Friday 31 July:
o Askern Community Library, Station Road, Askern, DN6 0LA – 10am – 1pm
o Norton Coronation WMC, 21 W End Road, Norton, DN6 9DH – 1.30pm – 3pm
• Tuesday 4 August:
o Askern Community Library, Station Road, Askern, DN6 0LA – 12pm – 2pm
Rotherham
• Thursday 30 July:
o Dinnington Community Library, Laughton Road, S25 2PS – 9.30am – 2pm
Further information about OnDemand and how to use it is available at sypn.gov.uk/ondemand.
Information is also available:
• by following us on X @TravelSYorks
• through press release – News – South Yorkshire MCA
• via posters in our Interchanges
• by calling 0114 504 6107