Bradford may miss out on free shuttle bus pilot

Council chiefs are expected to reject a free pilot scheme for the service because they say the city's regeneration still has too far to go.

Council bosses believe they should wait to try it out until more progress has been made - but that has angered traders and groups helping pensioners and the disabled who say it would make the city centre more accessible to shoppers and help bring more people in.

Metro FreeCityBus services already operate in Leeds, Huddersfield and Wakefield, with West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Authority paying half the costs and each local council stumping up the rest during the five-year contracts. But a report to Bradford Council's next executive meeting, which takes place on Tuesday, recommends holding off staging a free six-month-long trial at this stage and that the issue be reviewed annually.

It is likely to cost the Council more than £100,000 a year to run the shuttle service in Bradford if the trial is successful and it forges a similar five-year deal with Metro.

Traders groups as well as those championing pensioners and disabled people have condemned the expected delay - saying it is just what the city centre needs to make it accessible to all and to bring in shoppers.

Jill Grant, of Bradford Access Action, said: "Because of the topography of Bradford a bus like this is essential. The Interchange is just so far out and whichever way you go it is up or down a hill. It is then difficult for anyone in a normal wheelchair.

"I would be very disappointed if the Council decides to shelve this because I feel it is a retrograde step. The excuse might be the regeneration programme, but why are we waiting for Westfield? It should reconsider this."

Val Summerscales, of Bradford Chamber of Trade, said it was very disappointing for economic reasons. She said: "This free shuttle bus needs to be implemented as soon as it can be.

"We need to demonstrate that Bradford city centre is accessible to everybody and that free bus will do just that. We seem to be waiting for something to kick-start the regeneration - and the bus could be just the catalyst we need. The city is already at a disadvantage because of the hills."

Jean Walker, of Bradford and District Senior Power, said the service was vital and a real life-line for the elderly. "We need it now," she said. "Why should Bradford always be a step behind? Why should we be left out again?"

And Audrey Raistrick, of Neighbourly Care Bradford, said: "Why shouldn't pensioners be assisted in getting around the city centre. It would be ideal and should be implemented immediately. It would also be handy for pensioners to get up the hill to the post offices."

The report states that under the right circumstances the FreeCityBus service is good value for money and a low-risk opportunity. But it adds that it is crucial that it be introduced "in the context of regeneration of the city centre".

It warns that for the pilot to be a success there must be a sufficient number of passengers and the figures needed might not be achievable during these early stages of regeneration.

Draft routes have been suggested by Metro chiefs, possibly two miles long and circular, enabling three buses to travel at ten-minute intervals.

Possible stops include the Interchange, Broadway, Forster Square, the markets, Kirkgate Shopping Centre, the National Media Museum and Centenary Square. The suggested operating times are 7.30am to 7pm Monday to Friday and 8.30am to 5.30pm on Saturday.

The diesel vehicles are capable of carrying up to 46 passengers - 31 seated and 15 standing - with one space for wheelchair users.

It follows trials in 2005 and 2006 of a battery-powered minitram and an electric-diesel bus to see which would cope better with the city's streets.

Passengers were able to hop on between Bradford Interchange, Forster Square station and the main shopping areas.

During the first 35-day pilot in October two years ago more than 1,400 people used the minitram. Feedback showed that 94 per cent wanted a permanent service in Bradford, 92 per cent said they would use it and 83 per cent said it would encourage them to visit the city centre more often.

In June last year a hybrid Electrocity vehicle took to the city's streets for a three-day trial of the electric and diesel powered vehicle.

Results showed that battery-powered vehicles are not powerful enough to cope with Bradford's hills - hybrid technology or conventional diesel engines are needed.

Last September Green group councillors called for the free service to be brought in to help tackle congestion and reduce pollution.

Group leader Councillor Martin Love said: "To prejudge the pilot is pointless. You would think that now, more than ever, would be an ideal time to encourage shoppers into Bradford. Once again the Council has let down the retail trade."

A Bradford Council spokesman said: "We have already tested two innovative vehicles - the prototype battery-powered Minitram and the electric-diesel hybrid Electrocity. Both had advantages and disadvantages but neither met all the criteria we were looking for.

"Another option is for a free city centre bus service like those that operate in Leeds, Huddersfield and Wakefield. However, we feel it would be more appropriate to look at this again in the future when the regeneration projects in the city centre are well under way."

Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, the executive member for environment and culture, said the matter would be reviewed in a year and it is likely that the time will be right then.

"There is a bit of a chicken and egg situation about the scheme, but we think it would be better introduced at the right time. We have contacted Metro about holding the offer."

Labour group deputy leader David Green said: "While the regeneration of the city is taking some time, the Council has a duty to support those businesses that have stuck with Bradford over the years. This would go some way to paying back some of that loyalty by providing a service that would attract more shippers to the existing stores. It also calls into question the commitment of the Council to the city centre. This is the time to go for it."