Bus passengers were given the chance to air their views when transport bosses held a public consultation event at one of the district’s main bus stations.

The national pressure group, Bus Users UK, hosted the bus users’ surgery at Keighley bus station to hear people’s grievances and praise.

Present were staff from Transdev, which runs most Keighley bus services, Jackson buses of Silsden and officers from Metro, which oversees West Yorkshire’s public transport.

Ray Wilks, the local representative for Bus Users UK, said the general reaction from passengers who took part in the consultation exercise had been very positive.

He said: “We’ve had a couple of complaints, especially about the Fell Lane and Thwaites Brow services in Keighley being too overcrowded, but the majority of people have been praising the services.”

Pensioners Joyce Swires, 74, and Betty Kirk, 79, travel to Keighley three times a week to shop and have a meal.

“We have no complaints. We love coming to Keighley and never have any problems. There are always seats and the staff are pleasant,” said Mrs Swires.

Paul Hodgson, marketing and communications manager for Transdev Keighley, said it was the first consultation they had attended since the new bus station was built.

“We will eventually be sent the information by Bus Users UK and will investigate any of the issues.

“It could mean we increase the service, divert on to other routes, or increase the size of the bus, but with Keighley being very hilly, that can be problematic.

“This exercise is very useful because we get direct contact with passengers.”

Bus Users UK aims to give passengers a voice in the liberalisation and privatisation of services outside London.

It helps passengers influence local and national decisions and develops good communication between companies and passengers.