THE first 24-hour bus service in West Yorkshire - running from Bradford to Leeds - has launched. 

First Bus' 72 service began operating between the two cities on Sunday, providing trips all day and night.

This is being achieved with journeys added in the late evening and early hours, which will operate seven days a week.

With places like London offering night buses for commuters, many called for such a service to come to West Yorkshire. 

First Bus said the 24-hour connectivity "aligns well with mayoral commitments to give focus to the safety of women and girls".

Kayleigh Ingham, commercial director of First Bus in West Yorkshire, said: "We are delighted to launch the first 24-hour bus service in West Yorkshire on our 72 route running between Leeds and Bradford.

"It has always been a high frequency route for us, and we are now investing further in our network to build on the success we have seen while ensuring the best possible service for our customers."

First Bus said it believes the 24-hour service will benefit all sectors of society and the local economy, helping to support the night-time economy, shift working and leisure and hospitality markets.

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, chair of West Yorkshire Combined Authority's transport committee and leader of Bradford Council, said: "A 24-hour bus service between Bradford and Leeds will provide a real boost to both cities, increasing connectivity and supporting our economy.

"It means that shift workers, those working in the night-time economy and others who need a safe way home at night will benefit from this investment. 

"More frequent bus services between our cities will help us to build a better-connected West Yorkshire."

Ms Ingham added: "Safety is our top priority and we believe this 24-hour connectivity aligns well with mayoral commitments to give focus to the safety of women and girls.

"The bus is one of the cheapest, most convenient, and sustainable ways of travelling in West Yorkshire."

A First Bus spokesperson added: "We are on a mission to grow bus usage. 

"We will get behind initiatives that move people out of cars and on to buses.  

"We are one of the UK's largest bus operators, delivering more than a million passenger journeys every day for the communities we serve."

For more information and to see the timetable for the 24-hour bus service, visit www.firstbus.co.uk