It would be premature to use an increase in bus usage in Bradford as justification for creating another guided-bus lane, this time in Wakefield Road, as has been hinted at by Councillor Ann Ozolins.

It is encouraging news for the Passenger Transport Authority, of which Councillor Ozolins is a member, that the fall in the number of passengers has been reversed. Indeed, it is good news for everyone if it represents a genuine shift away from the private car to the bus, as fewer cars means less congestion.

On the other hand, it could merely mean that the people who use buses anyway are making more journeys on them thanks to the various special offers available through the FirstCard.

It is far too early to draw any firm conclusions about this turnaround in the popularity of the bus. It would be rather simplistic to put it down to the success of the Manchester Road guided bus lane, which has seen an increase in usage only a tenth higher than the average increase for the whole district.

There are factors to be set against that increase, a significant one being the rat-runs which have developed around Manchester Road as motorists try to avoid the delays caused by the bus lane with its many traffic lights.

It is also important to bear in mind the possible impact on retailing in Bradford if motorists are discouraged by the bus lane from coming into town via that route. Much more research is needed before any decision is taken on extending the guided-route idea elsewhere in Bradford.