PEOPLE were out and about getting used to the new bus loop around the Bradford city centre which came into effect today.

Some bus customers look puzzled coming to terms with the changes but others found Metro and First Bus staff, who were out in force helping prospective passengers, very helpful.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Well Street next to The Broadway re-opened as part of Bradford city centre's new bus loop.Well Street next to The Broadway re-opened as part of Bradford city centre's new bus loop. (Image: Newsquest)

The T&A was out in the city centre, speaking to people waiting at bus stops and the helpful bus service staff who were assisting people with all of the changes. 

"People are a bit flummoxed with it all," said a First staff member. "Today is all right because it's Sunday services but tomorrow will be the test.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: First and Metro staff help passengers with the new bus loop.First and Metro staff help passengers with the new bus loop. (Image: Newsquest)

"We've been out helping customers," said the staff member, who pointed out that stops on Vicar Lane, Bridge Street and Nelson Street were busiest for customers.

Well Street, behind The Broadway and Little Germany, only re-opened today, but it was proving very quiet with few passengers getting on or off buses at that location.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Passengers get off a bus stop on the newly re-opened Well Street.Passengers get off a bus stop on the newly re-opened Well Street. (Image: Newsquest)

"It's only opened this morning," said a Metro staff member. "We just took the barriers off last night."

Some passengers gratefully accepted help from staff and others spoke about how they expect tomorrow, when people begin their working week, to be much busier.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Bus passengers on Bridge Street which is on the new bus loop.Bus passengers on Bridge Street which is on the new bus loop. (Image: Newsquest)

One visitor from Ireland spoke in glowing terms about how it is all working for visitors. 

Helen Byrne, from Ireland, said: "We're quite happy with it. It's new to us and it's worked for us. 

"It's been quite easy for us as visitors. And the bus driver was very helpful."

Work to reconfigure the city centre road network has been underway since last summer, and has included the creation of a new “loop” on which the city’s buses will now run. And several streets are being closed permanently to traffic.

While the former pedestrian road Well Street has now become one of the main bus hubs in the city centre, roads being pedestrianised include Bank Street, Broadway, Market Street, Hall Ings and parts of Bridge Street.

The junction of Little Horton Lane and Prince’s Way will also be blocked off to vehicles, creating a new “pocket park” near the city’s war memorial.