Have your say on West Yorkshire’s bus services

People in West Yorkshire are being invited to help shape the future of local bus services by taking part in the Mayor’s Big Bus Chat

11 July 2022

As part of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Bus Service Improvement Plan, £25 million is available to spend on new and improved bus services, to connect people better with the places they want to go at the times they need to travel. 

Together with the online survey at www.mayorsbigbuschat.co.uk, drop-in sessions will be held across West Yorkshire during July, August and September where people can talk to West Yorkshire Combined Authority staff.

The results of the survey will be used when planning service and other improvements. 

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “When I was elected Mayor I said I’d improve our region’s bus services. 

“We’re going to reduce single fares to £2 and the cost of a day ticket to £4.50 from September, and we’ve got funding to buy over 100 new zero-emission buses, almost one-tenth of the buses on our roads. 

“Now I want to know what we can do about bus services themselves. 

“Whether you use buses every day, once in a while or not at all I want to hear from you, through my Big Bus Chat. 

“It’s been a tough time for the bus industry and passengers recently, and I want to make sure that our bus network is fit for purpose. 

Mayor Brabin continued: 

“Cuts after the pandemic have left communities isolated from the thriving region around them. I also hear from people about how confusing the local network is to understand and use. During this cost-of-living crisis, people tell me jumping on a bus is unaffordable or just not worth the price of boarding.  

“But I am determined to change all this. I want buses to be the first choice for travel in West Yorkshire - not because you don’t have a car, but because buses are more affordable, convenient to use, and better for the environment. 

“Are there services to take you to health centres, shops, employment? Can they get you to see family friends for a night out, or a night in? 

“I’m encouraging everyone to please fill in the survey at mayorsbigbuschat.co.uk and let me know your views.” 

The survey will be open until  11 September with drop-in sessions being planned across all five West Yorkshire districts. 

Details of the drop-in events can be found at www.mayorsbigbuschat.co.uk.