New bus route to improve hospital access

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin hoped to create a "better-connected region"

A new bus service circling Bradford has been launched by the mayor of West Yorkshire.

The service will connect areas such as Idle, Undercliffe, Laisterdyke and Dudley Hill to both Bradford Royal Infirmary and St Luke’s Hospital.

It also takes in Lister Park, Five Lane Ends retail park and Morrisons Mayo Avenue, while incorporating the current 629 route, connecting Shipley, Heaton and Great Horton.

Mayor Tracy Brabin said she was "determined to boost West Yorkshire’s bus services to create a better-connected region".

Ms Brabin added: "We know it’s been a difficult time for passengers in Bradford with the closure of the Interchange bus station and the roadworks linked to investment in the city centre."

Commercial manager of bus company TLC Travel Sophie Lambert said: “TLC is delighted to be working with West Yorkshire Combined Authority to introduce the new 601/602 service.

“As a small operator we pride ourselves on our local roots, that is why we cannot wait to serve even more communities around Bradford.

“We look forward to welcoming all our new and existing passengers onboard.”

Bradford Council’s executive member for regeneration, planning and transport Councillor Alex Ross Shaw said: “This is very welcome news for our residents.

"We’re ambitious to see our district better-connected and a brand new service will make it easier for people to get around the district, whether that’s to work, visiting friends or enjoying a day or evening out.

“It’s also very useful for those people who need to access health services at St Luke’s Hospital and Bradford Royal Infirmary.”

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