WEST Yorkshire Combined Authority is inviting people to celebrate Easter Monday’s International Mother Earth Day by using public transport for their journeys.

The day seeks to remind everyone that the Earth and its ecosystems provide us with life and sustenance. It also aims to ensure people are aware of climate change and its threat to the planet.

The Authority says more ultra-low emission buses are taking to the streets as West Yorkshire’s bus operators invest £23 million on introducing new, cleaner buses on to roads.

In addition, over £8 million from the government’s Clean Bus Technology Fund is being invested in fitting 479 West Yorkshire buses with technology to reduce their harmful emissions. This work will result in 560 tonnes - the weight of around 37 double-deck buses – being removed from the local atmosphere and over £37 million of NHS savings and environmental benefits over five years.

On the rail network there are over 5,000 park and ride spaces at West Yorkshire’s 69 stations, with more in the pipeline to be created including at Steeton and Silsden.

This year’s International Mother Earth Day falls on Easter Monday when money-saving day tickets and passes are valid all day. As Monday is a Bank Holiday, there will be a Sunday bus service and a normal Monday train service.

Details of Easter Holiday weekend transport services can be found on the Combined Authority’s Mero website at www.wymetro.com/easter2019