Mayor partnership brings Transdev buses back
Transdev’s partnership with West Yorkshire’s Mayor has secured Government funding to restore services lost in April.
Working in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) led by the county’s Mayor Tracy Brabin, Transdev has secured Government funding worth £2.7m over the next three years to deliver improvements across the region. The money is aimed at attracting more people to choose the bus while cutting congestion and pollution.
The deal means that Transdev’s The Keighley Bus Company is now running a new route 60A to increase weekday journeys between Shipley and Leeds from the current two buses an hour to three.
“We are delighted to make these significant improvements for our customers” – The Keighley Bus Company’s Commercial Director, Paul Turner
The Keighley Bus Company’s Commercial Director, Paul Turner, said: “We are delighted to make these significant improvements for our customers, secured in partnership with WYCA and supported by the Government through its Bus Service Improvement Plan.
“Alongside our existing Aireline route 60, the increase to three buses an hour between Shipley and Leeds will help us to cater for demand on this busy route through north Bradford and west Leeds, offering more attractive journeys to and from the city centre.
“The wider package of improvements supported by this funding agreement also includes more frequent local buses on three of our routes in Keighley and a £1 a trip low fare for journeys within the town, including to Airedale Hospital.
“This is about making the bus the natural first choice for journeys into our town and city centres, while delivering all the benefits of less traffic and cleaner air which are good news for everyone.”
“Better bus services will help get people out of their cars and onto public transport” – West Yorkshire Mayor, Tracy Brabin
West Yorkshire Mayor, Tracy Brabin, said: “I’m delighted we have been able to work with the bus operator to provide this huge boost to services.
“As a commuter, I know how vital regular, reliable and affordable public transport is to the people of West Yorkshire.
“Better bus services will help get people out of their cars and onto public transport – and reflect our West Yorkshire plan priority to create a better-connected region.”
Other timetable improvements are also now in place on The Keighley Bus Company’s route 64 between Ilkley and Skipton, and route 72 between Skipton and Grassington, to boost the reliability of both services.