Travel South Yorkshire

As someone who is here for several weeks only it has been very confusing using the public transit system in South Yorkshire (mainly Barnsley). The website and journey planner is very confusing and does not give routes based on time — I have been given routes that take 45 minutes first and the 10 minute direct route is near the bottom of the journey options. Additionally, having several bus companies is very confusing. If one was to buy bus tickets as they go it can be simpler but trying to figure out which company runs which bus is difficult. Buying a return ticket is less expensive yet I can only use it for one bus company despite that there are a few that run along where I alight. It is very confusing. Buying weekly passes for all modes of travel and companies helps however it not practical when I am not using transit every single day (usually every other or third day). The system may work for those who live here but not practical for those visiting.