Attacks on women in the street have led to a massive increase in the number using Keighley's Safe Rider bus service.

Up to 113 passengers now use the women-only evening service each week in a bid to stay out of danger.

More than 20 women used Safe Rider for the first time in January in comparison with eight the previous year.

Co-ordinator Pat Schofield says the attacks have also prompted women to have a greater awareness of their personal safety.

She spoke in advance of the Safe Rider's annual meeting due to be held on Tuesday at 7pm in Keighley College's Swire Smith Hall.

The service has provided transport for women in the evenings since 1992 with funding from Bradford council through Keighley Area Panel.

Pat says Safe Rider was set up after a government-sponsored crime concern initiative revealed that many women were afraid to go out or travel alone at night.

A second bus was introduced in 1997 when Safe Rider received funds under the Community Safety programme of Keighley's Single Regeneration Budget.

Pat says: "Safe Rider has revolutionised the lives of women in Keighley by giving them independence and the chance to travel in security.

"Safety is the key issue over convenience or time-keeping. Drivers wear distinctive uniforms and receive special training in women's safety issues.

"Regular drivers become familiar figures to passengers, which is very reassuring and enables the service to be personal and flexible."

Safe Rider is open to all women aged 13 or over who live or work in the Keighley area. Users range from students and young mothers to the elderly and disabled.

All women who use the bus are asked to register as members of the Safe Rider company, but membership is free.

The service runs Monday-Saturday (6-11.30pm) from September to July except for Sundays and holiday.

Journeys are usually limited to within a six-mile radius of Keighley town centre and cost £1.75 return or £1.25 single, with concessions for children and Passport to Leisure holders.

Tickets must be bought in advance and journeys pre-booked by phoning 01535 611800 Monday-Saturday from 6-8pm.

Passengers are collected from home and returned at pre-arranged times. "The driver will not drive off until passengers are safely in their homes," says Pat. Tickets can be bought at the information centre in Keighley Town Hall, or Silsden library.

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