A new bus network has launched in Leeds this week with eighteen different lines running services every fifteen minutes.
New network maps, divided into zones are reminiscent of London-style coloured tube maps, with named and coloured bus lines demarcating different routes running across Leeds.
Known as the Leeds Core Bus Network, this is the product of over a year’s worth of efforts by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to improve connectivity across the city and help bus users travel with ease.
As part of the new network upgrade, 2,300 bus stops will be receiving a facelift thanks to a £270 million pound cash injection into bus travel in and around the city.
The implementation of the new network follows a sustained community outreach programme that found overwhelming support amongst local residents for the new, colour-coded map system.
Funding has come in part from the central government, as part of an overall allocation of £173.5m from the Department for Transport.
Local contributions have then topped up the investment to £183.4m.
Speaking on the new system, West Yorkshire’s mayor Tracy Brabin said that she hoped the new system would not just make bus travel more cost-effective and efficient, but also pleasurable.
“I am therefore fully behind the creation of the new Core Network and as set out in my manifesto, I am looking at how travelling by bus can be further improved and more attractive. My plan is to bring buses back under public control and build an integrated transport system,” she continued.
“As I have said before, if this kind of system is good enough for London, it is good enough for West Yorkshire.”
“I am looking forward to taking the bus and I am particularly excited by the real-time information screens at bus stops. I think the new bus stop flags which show all the services that run from that stop will be well very welcomed by passengers.
“I think in addition to the practical benefits to understanding routes, there is also the advantage that passengers can plan better day trips and fun things with family and friends as meeting people and going to new places will be far easier to plan for bus users.”
Feature image – Mtaylor848.
