DISAPPOINTMENT has been expressed following a recent reduction in Bradford bus services due to driver shortages.

Retired Eccleshill resident John Illingworth, who uses the bus for shopping and leisure activities, contacted the T&A after a change in timetables resulted in two fewer services each hour on a route that he regularly uses to travel into Bradford.

Mr Illingworth uses the 640/641 service, but First Bus acknowledged the service has temporarily been reduced from six to four times per hour from Monday to Friday.

"It was annoying that there was no advance warning about these changes," he said. "It seems like a bit of a rush job.

"When these changes came into effect, I'm sure there were a lot of people standing at the bus stop wondering what happened to their bus.

"They've changed it by five minutes but that understates the problem."

First Bus has said the temporary reduction will help reliability but acknowledge the bus company is still grappling with the ongoing shortage of drivers.

A First Bradford spokesperson said: “The changes we have introduced this week are to ensure we continue to provide a robust and comprehensive network of services that supports our customers and our communities with a more punctual service

“Our updated timetables balance the travel needs of all our customers and minimise disruption. We have limited changes to a few minutes to reduce any inconvenience but help maintain reliability and connections.

“This has been necessary to manage the ongoing recovery of bus passenger numbers, which are not yet at the levels before the pandemic, and as government support for the industry enters a new phase based on anticipated demand for travel by bus in the coming months.

“We also continue to recruit drivers to overcome an ongoing shortage and will monitor our staffing and passenger levels with the aim to reinstate frequency on a route when the conditions enable us to do so.”

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, also expressed disappointment about a reduction in bus services.

said: “I’m extremely disappointed to see operators making any cuts to services at a time when we’re trying to boost passenger numbers and recover from the pandemic.

“While I recognise that there is a national shortage of professional drivers which is a factor in this decision, I urge First and all of the bus operators to continue to work with us so that services can be restored as soon as possible.”