Featured Post

LCR to Secure Bus Depots in Major Franchising Move

By on
Image
Bus services across the Liverpool City Region are set for a major transformation, with plans for a fully publicly-run bus network moving forward at pace. The introduction of a franchised system will see services brought under public control for the first time in nearly 40 years, promising more frequent buses, better connections and improved infrastructure. Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Franchising is Coming Sooner Than Planned You’ve probably heard about the move to bus franchising—where routes, fares and timetables will be planned by the public sector rather than private companies—but here’s what’s happening next. The first phase kicks off in St Helens and Wirral, with the new system up and running by September 2026. The whole region should be fully franchised by the end of 2027, a year ahead of schedule. Mayor Steve Rotheram, said: “Reliable, regular, and affordable buses are the backbone of a great public transport system. They connect people to work, education, and each ...
Post a Comment

First 24-Hour Bus Service in West Yorkshire Sees Skyrocketing Growth

By on

In West Yorkshire, the 72 Service, running non-stop between Leeds and Bradford, has been a game-changer since it kicked off last September. And the stats? Well, they’re pretty incredible.

A double-decker bus parked in a dimly lit area. The bus is dark blue with Leeds to Bradford, 24 hours, and 72 prominently displayed on its side. The front destination sign reads 72 Bradford. Trees are visible in the background.
First Bus

In just three months, passenger numbers have soared by 138%. That’s right, 138%! We’re talking about growth from a humble 2,000 customers in the first month to a whopping 4,800 by December.

Kayleigh Ingham, Commercial Director of First North & West Yorkshire, said:

“We’re delighted with the growth we have seen on this service, which is clearly appealing to the people of Leeds and Bradford."

She added:

“Customer numbers have steadily increased month-by-month and we see this trend continuing in 2025.”

The 72 service isn’t just your average route. It's high-frequency, now running around the clock to keep things ticking over, especially when the city lights are still on. The boost in service comes on the back of First Bus investing in its network, aiming for smoother journeys, faster connections and an all-around pleasant passenger experience.

But it’s not just about commuters hopping on for work. This 24-hour bus service is helping prop up the night-time economy, shift workers and even leisure-seekers.

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Chair of West Yorkshire Combined Authority's transport committee and leader of Bradford Council, said:

“It is really encouraging to hear of the growing success of this 24 hr bus service between Bradford and Leeds.”

She went on:

“The two cities working together provide a huge economy. Good transport connectivity is therefore vital to making the most of that economic opportunity. It’s all part of helping us to build a better-connected West Yorkshire but there’s still lots more to do.”

When do passengers prefer to ride? The sweet spot seems to be between midnight and 2am, especially on Saturday nights. Fun fact: Weekend riders are 67% more likely to hop on than during the week.

From September to December, more than 12,500 brave souls made the journey during the early hours. And here's the kicker: two-thirds of those folks were heading from Leeds to Bradford.

Who knew the night bus could become such a hit? Guess West Yorkshire is ready to roll—24/7.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

LCR to Secure Bus Depots in Major Franchising Move

By on
Image
Bus services across the Liverpool City Region are set for a major transformation, with plans for a fully publicly-run bus network moving forward at pace. The introduction of a franchised system will see services brought under public control for the first time in nearly 40 years, promising more frequent buses, better connections and improved infrastructure. Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Franchising is Coming Sooner Than Planned You’ve probably heard about the move to bus franchising—where routes, fares and timetables will be planned by the public sector rather than private companies—but here’s what’s happening next. The first phase kicks off in St Helens and Wirral, with the new system up and running by September 2026. The whole region should be fully franchised by the end of 2027, a year ahead of schedule. Mayor Steve Rotheram, said: “Reliable, regular, and affordable buses are the backbone of a great public transport system. They connect people to work, education, and each ...
More

Warrington’s Own Buses Officially Launches its Volvo BZL Electric Buses

By on
Image
Warrington’s Own Buses has officially rolled out the first wave of its all-electric fleet, a momentous stride toward greener urban transport backed by the town’s purpose-built electric bus depot. Marking a true milestone for public transport, the 105-vehicle order of Volvo BZL Electric buses is part of the Zero Emission Bus Regional Area (ZEBRA) initiative, aiming to drastically cut emissions and noise pollution in towns across the UK.
More