The First Bus depot in Bradford is gearing up provide a vital supporting role to Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture.
The bus operator is an Official Travel Partner for the year-long celebration across the district and its team, including nearly 400 drivers, will be providing a friendly face and helpful advice to the millions of residents and visitors making trips to attractions next year.
Blind and partially sighted people met with drivers and managers at bus operator First Bus in Leeds to discuss further ways to help and support their travel needs, understand the challenges faced and encourage confidence in using the bus network.
At the Swap With Me visit, members of the RNIB demonstrated special glasses that simulate a range of eye conditions to show the challenges people with sight loss face when travelling on public transport.
First Bus has begun the first 24hr bus service in West Yorkshire.
Its 72 service operating between Bradford-Leeds started providing trips all day and night this week (Sunday 1 September). This is being achieved with journeys added in the late evening and early hours, which will operate seven days a week.
Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority's transport committee and leader of Bradford Council, dropped by last night to see a newly branded bus that will be one of the fleet used on the route and to help start a campaign to raise awareness.
First Bus and West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) have completed a further £11.2m investment in the operator’s Bramley depot which makes half the fleet zero emission.
The last of an additional 22 double-decker electric buses (EV) have now entered service, increasing the total at the depot to 79. This further investment builds on a transformation of the depot with power charging infrastructure and EVs unveiled earlier this year.
We’re proud to be part of the communities we serve and are committed to making a positive difference where it matters.
From supporting young people into employment to helping fans reach a footy match, our Community Good projects are driven by one simple goal: to use the power of transport for good. This is where we share stories below, showcasing partnerships and the people making a real impact across West Yorkshire.
Have a read, get inspired and see how we’re putting purpose into every journey and moving the everyday.
On Sunday 27th October, staff from across West Yorkshire gathered at Greenhead Park in Huddersfield. Family, colleagues and community all together to support Reclaim the Night. This is an outdoor event open to all, promoting a safer West Yorkshire. During the event, people could visit community support services stalls and join the walk around the park to end violence against women and girls.
From meeting inspiring volunteers to swapping stories and ideas, we felt the power of the moment and the important part the bus industry plays.
*UPDATE: This is no clear and services are operating as normal.*
Lane closure due to roadworks on Wakefield Road (below Bowling Back Lane Roundabout) heading inbound to Bradford.
Services 617, 618, 620 encountering severe delays and now diverting via normal route to Wakefield Road by Bowling Church (St John's) and loop around to take Neville Road, left Parry lane, left Bowling Back Lane and own route.
Due to a vehicle breakdown, the 09:00 service 36 from Royal Hospital - Worcester City Centre will be delayed.
Engineers are en route with a spare vehicle.
We expect a 25-30 minute delay to the service.
Service 363 from Ryall/Upton - Worcester at 09:35 is delayed by 25 minutes due to a breakdown.
Apologies for the inconvenience.
The following services have been impacted by operational issues:
Service 22
09:15 to Tonedale is delayed. Engineers are en route.
Service 30
10:10 to Axminster delayed approximately 15 minutes.
Apologies for the inconvenience caused.
A partnership between First Bus and a group supporting women from Bradford’s ethnic minorities to build career confidence has achieved amazing results in its first weeks.
The bus operator has teamed up with WomenZone, a charity-based community centre in the city, to provide a range of support including one-to-one mentoring, interview skills and tailored training to bring down barriers to employment.