The region’s biggest bus operator has announced it is to keep bus fares frozen.

First, the leading bus operator in Bradford, Leeds, Halifax, Huddersfield and York, has decided to freeze the price of fares for the foreseeable future with the hope of growing passenger numbers.

And First has pinpointed a small number of its services across the region that have struggled to hit the punctuality levels expected by customers – it is currently preparing changes to its timetable to ensure more punctual services.

Ian Humphreys, managing director for First in West and North Yorkshire, said: “In recent months we have simplified our fares structure across some of our network, notably in Leeds.

“We have demonstrated that by trying a new and innovative way of marketing our services then most people have been encouraged onto our buses.”