First cuts cost of Bradford bus tickets

First has announced a package of cut fares of up to nearly 30 per cent on some of its Bradford bus services from Sunday, January 5.

The bus company says its number of journeys taken in West Yorkshire has grown by 100,000 a week following improved services and has already reduced the price of weekly tickets in Bradford, Halifax and Huddersfield.

The move has been welcomed by Passenger Focus, the independent public body set up by the Government to protect the interests of England’s bus and rail passengers.

Passenger Focus director David Sidebottom said passengers would be “happy to hear” that First is making most bus fares cheaper.

He said: “Our most recent passenger survey showed that 56 per cent of fare-paying passengers in West Yorkshire felt that their ticket was value for money, so these fare cuts should help to improve these scores.”

Metro chairman Councillor James Lewis also described the lower fares as welcome news and said: “Now I look forward to seeing all local bus companies developing the easy-to-use, value-for-money ticketing system that passengers across West Yorkshire want and deserve.”

The changes at First mean the cost of a weekly ticket for Bradford customers will go down by £1 to £14 – although the Bradford day ticket will rise by 20p to to £3.90.

Customers using the bus more often will also be able to take advantage of reduced monthly and annual ticket prices.

Dave Alexander, regional managing director for First in the North of England, said: “The level of these fare cuts in Bradford has been made possible because of growing confidence in our stronger partnership working with Metro and the local councils.

“Our aim in 2014 is to continue to give value for money to our customers and to build upon improvements in punctuality and customer satisfaction which will be helped by further investment in new vehicles.”

Bus company Arriva might also follow suit by reducing fares, according to its regional manager Nigel Featham.

He said its bus network already provides good value for money but added: “Our fare plans for 2014 are still under review but any changes we make will be aimed at attracting more people to take up bus travel.”

WHAT THE PUBLIC THINKS:

I have to use the bus to get to work every day because I don't have a choice, I don't have my own car. I already buy an annual pass to save a bit of money so if it's going to be even cheaper next year then that's great. It's appreciated. Every penny counts.

- Single mum Gaynor Ouallouche, 40, of Eccleshill

The services that come every ten minutes are good value for money and reliable. I only travel on them now and again so I have to buy daily tickets which are a bit expensive but if they turn up and get you where you need to be on time then it's worth it.

- Daniel Parkin, 24, of Thornton

I don't think the buses are too bad – unless you get a moody driver! It's really good that First is reducing some of the fares, especially at a time like this when people are struggling and bills are going up and up. It shows First wants to keep passengers happy.

- Amanda O'Hara, 21, of Thornton

It shouldn't cost an arm and leg to get to work on the bus. I get a weekly pass which First already made a bit cheaper earlier this year – it's even better news if it is reducing it more. I don't have my own transport so I have to use the bus but cheaper fares might also tempt car users to leave their vehicles at home more – possibly?

- Civil servant Nicola Haigh, 41, who works in Bradford

They have to sort their services out first before they start cutting fares. The 613 route I get from the centre up Great Horton Road and through Woodside is appalling. It's very hit and miss. Cheap tickets don't make up for late buses. I don't have to pay to use the buses anyway – that's one good thing!

- Pensioner Roy Ward, 73, of Woodside

The buses are a lot busier than they used to be. It's a sign of the times. Not everyone can afford their own transport.

- Elsie Ward, 72, of Woodside