Bradford bus services impacted by new First timetables

First West Yorkshire is introducing new timetables on April 1.

There will be fewer bus services serving a number of areas across Bradford, which First has said is due to fewer passengers and reduced post-pandemic demand. 

Some of the services affected include:

• The X11 between Bradford and Leeds via Bradford Moor and Pudsey, where early morning and later evening services are being axed.
• The 508 from Halifax to Leeds via Shelf and Odsal Top is being reduced from half-hourly service to every hour through the day, while early morning and late evening services are also being axed.
• The 576 between Halifax and Bradford via Queensbury will see a revised timetable to improve punctuality, including re-timings.

"I'm really, really annoyed about it," said Councillor Ralph Berry (Lab, Wibsey). "The 508 is a vital service to get people to work in Leeds and Halifax.

"We should be promoting these services not reducing them.

"This is going to impact a lot of people in South Bradford. We have a high number of people in our ward who don't own a car, particularly young people.

"There are a lot of new business developments in Leeds, so how are people going to get there for work? This stops people from accessing employment.

"It's not just about getting into and out of Bradford. People access Leeds for colleges, universities, work as well as a night out."

Councillor Zafar Iqbal (Lab, Bradford Moor), said: "I spoke to First about four weeks ago. The X11 which runs along Barkerend Road, up through Bradford Moor and to Pudsey is a good service.

Speaking about the early and evening services that have been cut, Cllr Iqbal added: "There have not been many commuters on the 5am service, so it was reduced. The 7pm service also did not have many commuters.

"This is a very good service with some good links to the 72 and X6 on Leeds Road."

First West Yorkshire said new passenger behaviours and travel habits since the pandemic have impacted demand and the bus company must "adapt our networks to best match customer need and maximise resources to support growth."

The spokesperson added: “We have worked closely with the Combined Authority to maintain connectivity where possible.

"Unfortunately, some of these journeys are no longer viable given low levels of use and increased operating costs.

“We appreciate that some amendments will be disappointing for customers affected. First West Yorkshire has carefully reviewed these together with WYCA in order to limit changes.

“This action is necessary now to ensure we build a sustainable network into the future and that we balance customer demand with available resources, where there is a clear need for additional capacity."

The spokesperson added: “Post-pandemic demand has confirmed for a year now that not enough passengers are using these routes to even cover costs and the trend is clear.

"It would not be prudent for any organisation, private or public, to continue to operate the same services knowing that the demand across the bus network has changed.

“We will continue to review on an on-going basis using the latest real-time data technology to track demand with a view to being agile and ready to increase frequencies and add connections in line with customer demand.”