OTLEY and Yeadon are being hit by reductions in bus services because of a nationwide shortage of drivers.

First Bus has made temporary frequency changes to some services in Leeds, including the 33 and 34 Leeds to Yeadon services.

A spokesperson for First West Yorkshire said: “As is being experienced across the bus industry, transport and many public service businesses, the nationwide lack of drivers is currently placing pressure on some of our services. To manage this and maintain reliability and connections we are introducing temporary changes to some high-frequency routes in Leeds and Bradford.

“Our updated timetables have been adjusted to balance the travel needs of all our customers and minimise disruption. All First West Yorkshire services elsewhere in the region remain unchanged.We would like to thank customers for their patience and understanding while we overcome this short-term staffing situation.”

Adel and Wharfedale councillor Barry Anderson wrote to First Bus after he was asked why the X84 bus service, from Leeds to Otley had changed frequency from 15 minute intervals to 30 minute intervals.

According to the company's website there is now a reduction in frequency from 10 minutes to 15 minutes on the 33/34, with the X84 staying at 30mins on the Leeds to Otley route and no change for the Leeds to Ilkley route.

Visit https://www.firstbus.co.uk/leeds/news-and-service-updates/service-updates/frequency-changes-26th-september for more details.

Cllr Anderson said: “I would call on First Bus to make the timetable easy to understand and easy to see what changes have been made."

He added: "There are a huge amount of new homes on the A660 and it is important that residents have confidence in the service and they don’t have to resort to using their cars because they cannot trust the buses to turn up. At the moment people are unsure that the buses are going to arrive when they say they will and not leave them standing if one service misses, particularly as the weather is about to get colder and wetter as we approach winter."

Otley and Yeadon councillor Colin Campbell said:"The further reduction in service is to be regretted coming as it does on top of announcements of service cuts from the other bus companies which serve Otley and Yeadon. I have already had complaints about erratic services with elderly resident in effect being left stranded when buses failed to turn up which is very distressing for those involved.

"It does not look like things are going to improve anytime soon but I would hope that First prioritise services both for people who need the bus for work and those who live in more remote areas.''