Wakefield bus passengers to benefit from more frequent services

Mayor Tracy Brabin said she was "on a mission to build a better-connected West Yorkshire"

More direct and regular bus services have been introduced in West Yorkshire.

Eight services will run more frequently in Wakefield, while new routes connecting Huddersfield and Halifax have been created.

The changes have been funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA), with plans for more service improvements in July.

Matthew Morley from Wakefield Council said the changes would "make a real difference" for passengers.

The new bus services will link Huddersfield and Halifax town centres, and Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and Calderdale Royal Hospital, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

They will replace the existing 503 and 372 services.

WYCA will fund the replacement services at a reduced rate for the first three years.

A spokesperson said bus operator First would "take the commercial risk in years four and five, with the aim of making them financially sustainable in the longer term".

In Wakefield, the following services will now run at 30-minute intervals during the evening:

• 106 Wakefield - Hall Green via Kettlethorpe

• 148/149 Wakefield - Knottingley via Pontefract

• 189 Wakefield - Castleford via Normanton

• 268 Bradford - Wakefield via Cleckheaton

• 444/446 Leeds - Wakefield via Rothwell

• 496 Wakefield - Upton via South Elmsall

• 126 Wakefield - Dewsbury

• 195/196 Wakefield - Hemsworth via Walton & Ryhill

Elsewhere, the 548/549 services linking Halifax and Huddersfield via Brighouse will now run at 15-minute intervals during the day, with 30-minute intervals through to Huddersfield.

The 14 service between Pudsey and Leeds will run at 30-minute intervals during the day, with a "broadly hourly" service on evenings and weekends.

Mr Morley, Wakefield Council's cabinet member for planning and highways, said a regular and reliable bus service was "one of the top issues" in the area.

Thousands of people would benefit from the changes, he added.

"This is a vital boost for residents accessing work, social and leisure opportunities.

"The enhanced frequencies will make a real difference."

Last month it was confirmed single fares across West Yorkshire would cost no more than £2 until at least March 2025.

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin, who oversees the region's transport strategy, said she was "on a mission to build a better-connected West Yorkshire".