UP to 62 bus routes in West Yorkshire could be scrapped or drastically reduced later this year when Government funding ends.

And some routes are “not generating sufficient revenue to operate on a commercial basis” from October.

A new report into the sustainability of the local bus network has raised serious concerns about how services will cope when the funding – introduced to support bus operators through the pandemic and amounting to around £1m a month, ends later this year.

The funding was made available to keep bus services afloat at a time when there were vastly reduced passenger numbers due to lockdown and social distancing.

Despite many restrictions having now been lifted, passenger numbers are currently just 70 per cent to 80 per cent what they were pre-covid. Reduced passengers have led to reduced income, and along with rising fuel costs there were fears some routes may not survive – with operators prioritising the most profitable routes.

‘Tough decisions’ needed after funding for bus improvement plan falls £98m short

Originally the Government cash was due to end the past Spring, but an extra six months of funding was announced earlier this year – lasting until October.

A Sustainability Review of the bus network carried out by West Yorkshire Combined Authority will be discussed at a meeting of its Transport Committee on Friday.

The report says: “11 per cent of the bus network (measured by mileage) is currently not generating sufficient revenue to continue to operate on a commercial basis once the funding ends in October.

“This could impact up to 62 routes where some or all of the journeys could be withdrawn.

“There is therefore a risk that bus operators feel it necessary to withdraw or reduce services as a result of the withdrawal of the Government grant.

“At the time of writing, discussions were continuing with bus operators to understand their intentions.”

Evening and Sunday services could be particularly at risk.

The Authority has drawn up a bus service improvement plan which may include funding support for bus services. However, this is unlikely to begin until next year.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “I’ve been pressing government ministers and will continue to make the case for further funding for bus operators beyond October.

“I also hope the bus companies will understand this is a transition period and that they will need to take some of the financial strain.

“The people of West Yorkshire deserve a service that serves all our communities rather than only running the routes that make substantial profits.”