SIR - Local buses are the most used form of passenger transport, with over four billion journeys being taken in England in the year to March 2017. However, increasing road congestion and seemingly never-ending road works are making the delivery of reliable, punctual local bus services more difficult. This makes bus travel less attractive to passengers, particularly those travelling to work or training, or to medical appointments.

Connecting Leeds is a set of ambitious plans to encourage bus use by making bus services quicker, more reliable and more attractive than the car. This in turn will improve local air quality. Among the initiatives is investment in five key bus routes across the city which has potential to reduce journey times between Leeds and Bradford by up to 15 minutes at peak times. Connecting Leeds is an excellent example of collaborative working between bus operators and local authorities.

Evidence shows that by working together, bus operators and local authorities can help reduce congestion and improve local air quality, in turn providing a catalyst to unlock further investment. This is happening in towns and cities across the UK, giving passengers the services they need.

Visit leeds.gov.uk/connectingleeds

Andrew McGuinness, Regional Manager, Northern & Yorkshire Regions, CPT UK