FRIDAY’S meeting of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee confirmed its backing for a new West Yorkshire Bus Alliance with bus companies including Arriva, First and Transdev.

Quicker journeys, easy-to-understand and affordable fares for people of all ages, more free Wi-Fi, better travel advice and journey planning and further progress towards carbon-free services are among the commitments bus operators and the Combined Authority intend to deliver.

Lasting until 2021, the Alliance will be based on legal provisions introduced by the government for Voluntary Partnership Agreements.

The West Yorkshire Bus Alliance said it is committed to the development of a clearly identifiable brand, a simple fares structure, consistent customer service, further highway improvements to reduce journey times and the continued introduction of clean bus technology.

Councillor Kim Groves, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee said: “As councillors, all of us hear about issues people have using buses and trains.

“Our overall aim is to increase the number of people in West Yorkshire using local bus services, which helps reduce the environmental and economic costs of congestion.

“This two-year Alliance will be an opportunity to implement measures that ensuring a stable, affordable, reliable and punctual services that people can rely on.”

Dwayne Wells, Head of Commercial for Arriva said: “We are delighted to take Bus18 forward.

“We have a huge target, which is to increase patronage by 25% and our commitment, alongside other operators and West Yorkshire Combined Authority will see both an increase in investment in bus services and resources.”

Brandon Jones, Head of External Relations for First said: “We fully support the commitment being proposed and we are proud of the achievements the Bus18 partnership has delivered for customers.

“Building on its progress we can improve services further and ensure that bus services across the region remain sustainable.”

The new West Yorkshire Bus Alliance will build upon the successes of the Combined Authority, Arriva, First and Transdev’s Bus18 initiative, a scheme designed to improve transport services in the area by this year.

Among the successes of Bus18 were the introduction of the popular ‘go anywhere’ MyDay ticket for Under 19s and the investment of £23 million in new, cleaner buses.

Another £1 million went into alleviating bus congestion hotspots and more flexibility around the need for under 19s to prove their age to get cheaper fares.

Also, thanks to Bus18, passengers not happy with their bus journeys can now claim a free travel voucher from either First, Arriva or Transdev by contacting the appropriate operator.

Bus companies have also guaranteed to operate the last bus of the day, or pay for taxis if it does not run.