Improvements to bus services are a key part of the third West Yorkshire Local Transport Plan. Bus patronage has been in decline in West Yorkshire for many years despite extensive partnership working between District Councils, Metro and bus operators.  In addition the recent Competition Commission’s study has also shown the West Yorkshire bus market to be highly concentrated, with meaningful competition on only 2.3% of routes.

At their meeting of 29th June 2012, the West Yorkshire Integrated Transport Authority (WYITA) considered a report on future bus strategy and decided to choose a Quality Contract Scheme (involving franchising as an alternative to de-regulation) as its preferred mechanism for improving local bus services (click here for papers)

Following further consultation with key stakeholders, which is currently underway, the WYITA are expected to take a decision on whether to proceed with the legal process to introduce a Quality Contract Scheme.

Metro would like to invite you to attend a seminar at Wellington House in Leeds on 20th September 2012 between 18:00-19:30. This will provide an opportunity to find out more about the scope of the proposed Quality Contract Scheme for West Yorkshire and to explore the rationale behind the proposals.

If you would like to reserve a place at this seminar please respond to Louise Porter.