Bus passengers in Bradford could be closer to using London-style Oyster cards after transport chiefs gave their backing for the only scheme outside the capital to bring services under public control.

Metro, the West Yorkshire Integrated Transport Authority, yesterday gave their support to a scheme which they claim will make bus operators more accountable to passengers and reverse falling numbers.

The Bus Quality Contracts Scheme will include providing a “seamless” bus ticketing in West Yorkshire similar to the London Oyster card, which can be used regionally across services run by different companies.

Metro chairman, Councillor James Lewis, said: “Metro believes there needs to be change – particularly in providing a seamless, common integrated ticketing option without the confusion caused by the current mix of passes that can only be used on one operator's services or premium-priced multi-operator passes.

“Everyone involved in transport locally realises that we need to do something to make bus travel more attractive and address falling patronage.”

Councillor, Mike Ellis (Con, Bingley Rural), a member of the Bradford ITA district liaison committee, said the scheme would mean Metro, rather than bus companies, would be able to set the maximum cost of a ticket for anywhere in West Yorkshire.

Coun Ellis said an integrated service would benefit rural travellers who, in future, would be able to get on hopper busses to transport hubs in towns.

However, West Yorkshire’s bus operators have resisted the proposed scheme, claiming it will be “expensive and bureaucratic”.

Instead, they have argued for a closer partnership with Metro, while still being able to set fares.