Leeds accessible bus network complete

Bus operator First Leeds has announced completion of an accessible bus service for customers across the network.

Pictured left to right: Bob Dorr, Business Manager, First Leeds; Victoria Walker, Bus Users; Iain Simpson, Keighley Bus Museum; Jeff Howarth, Bus Driver in Leeds with 39 years service who has driven both buses

In a move that has been welcomed by Bus Users UK, the operator now serves a fleet of 400 low floor buses across the network. The last “step-entrance” Volvo Olympian bus was donated by the operator to Keighley Bus Museum.

The First Leeds bus service now provides wheelchair accessibility with kneeling suspension, a ramp facility and wheelchair area. The new accessible buses provide greater space and allow bus users to get on and off the bus more easily.

In 2014 the operator invested £3.5m on the introduction of 18 double deck buses. The new buses feature luxury interiors designed to make the bus journey as relaxing as possible with features such as increased legroom and leather seats as well as low emission engines.

Bob Dorr, Business Manager for First in Leeds said: “We’re delighted to announce that our customers can now enjoy low-floor, accessible services on every First Leeds bus across our network.

“With great value fares and an extensive network, the donation of our last step entrance bus in Leeds now guarantees low-floor services providing better accessibility for all our customers across every First Leeds route. I’m sure this will help attract even more customers to use bus services in Leeds by providing a real alternative to the car.”

Claire Walters, Chief Executive of Bus Users, commented on First Leeds’ announcement: “We welcome First’s achievement in making their buses more accessible, particularly to wheelchair and pushchair users. We look forward to seeing all buses being this accessible to all their passengers.”

Iain Simpson, Company Secretary of the Keighley Bus Museum Trust added: “I’m very grateful to First for donating the last step-entrance First Leeds bus to the Museum. Due to the investment in new buses by First, customers in Leeds can take advantage of the accessible bus network and also visit our Museum to see a range of buses that have made up the history of services across West Yorkshire.”