South Yorkshire was Transport Minister Rosie Winterton's first stop on her regional tour to consult on the Government's Local Transport Bill today.
The Government is currently consulting on the draft Bill that would give local authorities a mix of powers to help improve local public transport, particularly bus services, and cut congestion in places like Sheffield.
Published in draft form in May, the Bill forms part of the Government's draft legislative programme for the next Parliamentary session.
The visit also gave the Transport Minister the opportunity to look at recent improvements to public transport in the area and discuss how further improvements could be made.
As well as talking to representatives from local councils and transport providers, the Minister visited the planned expansion of the Middlewood Park and Ride site and the new SupertramLink bus service introduced in June to give better access to the city centre.
Rosie Winterton, Minister of State for Transport said: "The Local Transport Bill will help cut congestion and improve public transport particularly in our major cities like Sheffield.
"The Bill sets out proposals to restructure how transport improvements are delivered at a local level. The role of councils and local transport providers in this is key and that is why it is essential we consult with cities like Sheffield before the Bill is finalised.
"It has also given me the opportunity to see first hand how well-integrated public transport can work for everyone. In the short time it has been in operation the SupertramLink bus service has opened up public transport to communities outside of Sheffield, reducing congestion and making it easier to access the city centre".
Roy Wicks, Director General of South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE), said: "I am delighted that Rosie Winterton, the new Minister of State for Transport is taking the time to come to South Yorkshire to talk to transport providers and operators about the Bill. It is great that the Government is keen to listen to our views and see first hand, how SYPTE and our partners are driving forward public transport in Sheffield."
Whilst in Sheffield, Ms Winterton also took the opportunity to see for herself the damage caused by last month's flooding. She said: "The recent floods have caused devastation up and down the country and it is important we are able to help communities return to normal as soon as possible. The Department for Transport is working closely with local authorities to enable repairs to be carried out as soon as possible."