Transport authority steps in to save bus routes

Four at-risk bus services have been saved after the regional transport authority said it would intervene to keep them running.

First Bus had said it planned to axe the 615, 616, 619 and 633 services in Bradford from May.

However, following the announcement, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) said it would work to complete a tender exercise for replacement services.

First Bus said a recent review had identified there was "insufficient" demand to cover the costs of running the services.

The WYCA is currently in the process of bringing buses under public control through a franchising model, which will allow it to set routes, fares and service standards rather than it to private operators.

It said since July 2023, it had "stepped in to save 31 services across West Yorkshire following private operator cuts" and would complete the retendering process for the affected buses before May 2026, so there was no gap.

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said the authority would continue to do what it could to "step in and save vital bus services".

She said the cuts were "symptomatic of the failed deregulated bus market and another example of why we need to bring services under public control."

A spokesperson for First Bus said: "We regularly review our networks, using our own data on public usage of the bus services and taking input from the combined authority. This is designed to ensure we balance resources with overall demand.

"Our most recent review has identified these routes in the Bradford area where the level of customer demand is insufficient to cover the costs of running the existing level of service.

"We continue to work proactively with the combined authority and will carefully consider its plans for these services when more information is available."

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