BUS services have drawn mixed ratings in a new passenger satisfaction survey.

In its latest findings, independent watchdog Passenger Focus puts overall satisfaction in the West Yorkshire Metro area at 86 per cent.

But the county's transport authority says it is 'disappointing' that this is among the lowest in the country and that some indicators have fallen or remained static.

The authority says it is working on measures to boost information sharing.

Overall figures for value for money and punctuality came in at 63 per cent and 77 per cent and journey times notched up an 83 per cent satisfaction score.

On First buses, 85 per cent of customers in the Bradford district were ‘very’ or ‘fairly satisfied’.

Arriva, which also operates buses in the district, achieved an 86 per cent overall satisfaction rate with 56 per cent for value; 74 per cent punctuality and 85 per cent on journey times.

Paul Matthews, managing director of First in West Yorkshire, particularly welcomed improvement in the value for money score following the survey of more than 900 users by Passenger Focus between September and November 2014. This figure has increased from 54 to 66 per cent.

He said: "Our customers remain at the heart of what we do and we’ll be working hard to continue improving bus services.”

First added that more than half of customers were now choosing to travel on its buses when they have another option - 52 per cent compared to 44 per cent in 2012.

Nigel Featham, regional managing director for Arriva Yorkshire, said: "We are really pleased with this year’s passenger focus survey, with nine out of ten of our customers being happy with their bus service.

"We have started our new MAX concept in the Bradford area on the 268 route, these buses offer benefits for all travellers, including free Wi-Fi. At Arriva we are focused on improving the journey experience, and the best news is that we can use the results to shape an even better bus service. ”

West Yorkshire Combined Authority chairman, Councillor James Lewis, said: "This survey is a useful indication of how bus passengers view services and I am pleased there has been a seven per cent rise in fare payers’ satisfaction with value for money.

“However, it is disappointing to see the overall satisfaction level for West Yorkshire remains one of the lowest and in the past year the satisfaction has dropped or remained static in many categories including ‘information provided’, which we are addressing through measures people have told us they want to see.

“We understand people want to be able to find out more at bus stops and we are considering a scheme to provide people with links to additional information through smartphones."