COUNCILLORS have pleaded with a bus company to reconsider cuts to evening services that are due to be introduced today.

Among several service cuts being introduced by First Bus today is a reduction in services on the 640/641 route. From this evening there will be no services after 9pm.

A letter sent by 12 Councillors to First Bus says they are “dismayed” with the cuts, which will hit people working shifts as well as people enjoying evening activities such as going to the cinema or to a restaurant at a time when Bradford is looking to grow its nighttime economy.

The letter has been sent by the Councillors for Bolton and Undercliffe, Eccleshill, Great Horton, Royds and Wibsey.

It says: “We are writing to express our concern at the withdrawal of First Bus services on key city-wide routes after 9pm, and we urge you to reconsider this decision with immediate effect.

“Together, we represent some of the fastest-growing parts of Bradford. People who live here rely on an already fractured bus service to get to work, to access education or health appointments, or to get home after enjoying an evening out in town.

“They should not have to own a car or need to fork out for a taxi to travel relatively short journeys in one of the UK's biggest cities.

“We are therefore dismayed that you would even consider withdrawing all services on the 640/641 routes after 9pm without proper consultation.

“The 640/641 services serve a key artery of the city – connecting the furthest reaches of East Bradford with parts of South Bradford and the city centre.

“We are particularly concerned about the impact that these drastic cuts will have on the evening and night-time economy, or those who work later shifts in town or across the numerous other employment sites served by these routes.

“This is before we even consider the implications on personal safety for those who rely on public transport late into the evening.

“People need to be able to rely on cheap, frequent public transport that will provide a decent service well into the night and will help reduce car dependency. Bradford is also investing heavily in cultural attractions that will see thousands of additional visitors spending more time in the city centre late into the evening.

“Therefore these cuts are very poorly timed, and risk undermining all our efforts around regeneration and sustainability.

“Please listen to people. These are well-used services. We need to keep them.”

A spokesman for First Bus said: “Unfortunately, there are a very small number of journeys that have continued with passenger levels well below those required to cover costs on the current frequency. 

"Regrettably, this includes some trips on the 640 and 641 services. 

“As a result we are introducing some frequency changes.  

“However, customers are still able to travel using alternative services.

“Bus stops on Little Horton Lane/St. Enoch’s Rd are within walking distance of the First Bus 613/614/363 services, Buttershaw is served by the First Bus 614, Bolton Road is served by Transdev A2 and Norman Lane is also served by the First Bus 613/614 services.  

“Our network team has looked carefully at how we can minimise any inconvenience to customers, but these changes are necessary to balance capacity with available resources and ensure we build a sustainable network into the future.  

“We will continue to monitor demand and review services accordingly.”