First 24-hour bus service in West Yorkshire sees 138% customer growth

First Bus has seen a 138 per cent increase in customers travelling between midnight and 05:00am on the first 24-hour service in West Yorkshire.

The round-the-clock operation on the 72 Leeds-Bradford service was introduced last September, and figures for the first three months to the end of the 2024 show that passenger numbers had grown from just over 2,000 in the first four weeks to more than 4,800 in 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.

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

She added: “The 72 has always been a high frequency route. We have invested further in our network to build on the success we have seen, while ensuring the best possible service for our customers.”

First Bus is confident this 24-hour service is benefitting all sectors of the local economy and society, helping to support the nighttime economy, shift working and leisure and hospitality markets.

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. 

“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.”

The most popular hours of travel during the week are between midnight and 02:00am, and between 02:00am-04:00m on Saturday nights. The average number of customers at the weekend is 67 per cent higher than during the week.

Over 12,500 customers used the service in the early hours during the period September to December, with two-thirds travelling in the direction of Leeds to Bradford.

Picture caption: Kayleigh Ingham (right) with Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe at the launch of the 24-hour service alongside a specially branded bus used on the route.

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