BRADFORD bus passengers have been praised for their patience since the city centre bus station closed, with one councillor saying some have been left “in tears” after being unable to find bus stops.

The ongoing issues caused by the closure of Bradford Interchange bus station were discussed by members of West Yorkshire Combined Authority at a meeting on Thursday.

The Authority had previously announced that surveys were underway on the structure, and a future on whether it could be repaired, or would need to be replaced.

The results of these surveys are due to be revealed in September.

The station was shut at the beginning of the year due to safety concerns following a collapse of concrete in an underground car park area.

At the meeting, West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said: “Thanks to the people of Bradford – it has been horrendous at times but our focus is to make things as easy as possible.

“The people of Bradford have shown great patience. It has been really difficult, and I know people are very, very frustrated.

“We want to reassure the public we are working flat out with partners to come to the right decision about the future of the Interchange, bearing in mind the critical importance of public safety.

“We will continue to invest in Bradford to make a success of this great city. Transport is a vital part of the growing economy.”

She said sorting the Interchange situation was a key priority for her and her team.

Bradford Council leader Susan Hinchcliffe said: “The public are hugely frustrated, and we all want to see a speedy resolution. We want to see plans in place regardless of what the outcome of the surveys are.

“When that happens, we want to immediately implement the right solution – it can’t happen soon enough.”

Ms Brabin said the Authority was also committed to enhancing the entrance to the rail station at the Interchange.

Dave Haskins, interim director of transport operations, said this would include the reopening of the lower concourse of the station as soon as possible.

He said they were looking at potential sites for a temporary bus station for the city, and the aim was finding a site that could be “delivered quickly". 

Leeds councillor Alan Lamb (Cons) said: “Everyone appreciates these are long-term issues, but what has been reported back to me is how difficult it is at the moment for passengers.

“I’ve heard of bus users in tears because they don’t know where to get their bus.

“Is there any way to get more bodies on the ground so those passengers who are struggling have someone to go to?”

He was told that work to improve services for passengers was ongoing.