Operators concerned over West Yorkshire bus franchise proposals

The move would allow West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) to take control of setting fares and routes

A shake-up of the way bus services are run in West Yorkshire could see small bus companies forced out of business, it is claimed.

It comes after a public consultation was launched over plans to introduce London-style franchising for services.

This would mean private firms would be awarded contracts to deliver services set by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA).

One small operator said it had the potential "to put us out of business".

Since 1986, bus services in England - but not London - have been deregulated, meaning they are mainly run by private bus companies that have control over their routes, timetables, ticket options, fares and bus frequency.

In most cases, the private operators also receive the revenue from fares, retain the profits and can choose to reinvest money in running buses as they see fit.

But, if approved, the plan for franchising would see the WYCA handing our contracts to specific firms.

Craig Temple said he was worried about the impact of franchising on smaller firms

Craig Temple, managing director of Connexions buses, which operates services in West and North Yorkshire, said he feared for the future if the proposals went ahead.

"I think it's the biggest challenge we have faced for a long time," he told the BBC.

"I'd like to hope that the authority would look after smaller operators, but it does have the potential to put us out of business."

In a statement, the WYCA said it recognised "the important role smaller operators play in West Yorkshire's bus network".

"We believe their involvement is vital for delivering competition and ensuring the best value for taxpayers," it said.

Matthew Topham said the current system was absurd

Supporters said the move would result in a better service for customers.

Matthew Topham, lead campaigner for Better Buses in West Yorkshire, said: "The UK is the only place in Europe that runs this absurd system of handing complete control over to a patchwork of private companies that can't then integrate the services in the public interest.

"We need to get back to that European model and get back in the fast lane," he added.

In 2017, the Bus Services Act gave city regions the power to introduce bus franchising, with Greater Manchester becoming the first area to implement it.

The consultation on the proposals, which started in October, runs until 7 January 2024.

A final decision on future arrangements in West Yorkshire is likely to be taken in the spring.