The way buses are run in Leeds by transport giant First could be set for a radical overhaul after the company proposed a new partnership plan.
First, which is West Yorkshire's largest bus operator, has proposed a radical new partnership plan that would see local authorities have more of a say on the running of local bus services.
First has put forward detailed proposals on issues including vehicle investment, fares, routes and schedules that, if accepted by Metro and other local authorities, would make a significant difference to the West Yorkshire Region bus network (Leeds, Bradford, Huddersfield and Halifax) in the future.
The plans have been shown to Metro, which is now considering a response following some initial discussions with First earlier this year. The proposals are seen as a half-way house agreement as Metro - publicly-funded passenger transport authority - is considering introducing quality contracts that would give it control of fares, timetables and routes.
First's proposals come just a fortnight after a poll on Guardian Leeds saw 95% of voters back Metro's bid to regulate the city's buses. And 90% voted that the service either needed some improvements or was poor.
Proposals from First
Elements of the proposals put forward by First include:
* Fares changes limited to once per year
* A formal public and stakeholder consultation process ahead of network changes
* Stability of the network with changes taking place once each year
* Improvements in journey times will see First invest in bus priority schemes or redeploy resources to meet social needs
* Defined program of vehicle investment
* Investment in Smartcard technology
* Support for an integrated network through the development of network ticketing solutions
* Full compliance with vehicle DDA requirements, on bus CCTV and vehicle emission standards which contribute towards air quality improvement plans
* Comprehensive marketing and promotion programme
West Yorkshire leading the way?
Dave Alexander, Regional Managing Director for First UK Bus, said:
"These partnership plans, if accepted by Metro and the local authorities, could see West Yorkshire lead the way in terms of a partnership approach to successfully grow the bus network.
"Our investment in West Yorkshire has been significant in recent years and these proposals not only set out a further commitment on investment, but also ensure stability of the network, value for money and improved customer satisfaction.
"We are keen to engage with our stakeholder partners and work together to develop a detailed plan of how buses should be run across West Yorkshire. We are determined to work with others to further improve our level of service to our customers which will stimulate bus passenger growth and achieve our modal shift objectives."
There's a debate going on about cheaper bus fares over at the What if Leeds website.
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