First starts consultation on radical bus improvement

A “New Routemaster” London bus will be going on show to the public in Halifax to gain views on First’s proposal to deliver a radically improved bus service across West Yorkshire.

The public display is part of a proposed consultation being run by First West Yorkshire about the possible introduction of ‘New Bus for West Yorkshire’ (NBfWY); a package of measures that would see new buses, smart ticketing and infrastructure changes to speed up journeys.

The NBfWY proposal is an innovative vision designed to achieve a radical improvement to bus services in the area. The consultation event is an opportunity for the people of West Yorkshire to have their say and help design the way buses operate in the future.

First will be parking the bus in two different locations across the district providing more information about the proposed improvements. Other venues will be announced shortly.

The NBfWY package includes the introduction of new iconic vehicles similar to the “New Routemaster” used in London. The “New Routemaster” features multi entry and exit points for faster boarding, as well as the latest hybrid technology, offering significant reductions in emissions.

Commenting on the consultation, Paul Turner, Head of Commercial for First West Yorkshire said: “We want the public to let us know what they think of the New Bus package of proposals so that we can consider how they might be introduced. We are also looking to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to agree to a bus partnership which would give us the stable operational background required to make such a significant investment.”