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Futures of number 9, X11 and 14 bus routes confirmed

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westleedslife
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19
pudsey bus station
Pudsey Bus Station.

By John Baron

The number 9 Horsforth to White Rose Centre bus service WILL be axed, bosses at FirstBus have confirmed.

WLD reported earlier this week that a number of services across West Yorkshire were facing being cut completely or operating on revised timetables.

There will also be new timetable on the X11 Leeds – Pudsey – Bradford route with some early and late journeys being cut completely, and an hourly service on the number 14 service between Pudsey and Leeds.

An e-mail from bosses at Firstbus in Leeds – shared on social media by Pudsey councillor Simon Seary (Cons) – confirmed some of the cuts leaked earlier this week and said a formal announcement was due shortly.

The email said: “I would also like to stress that we have worked closely with the Combined Authority to try to maintain connectivity where possible on the impacted services.

“The changes commencing 2 April (registration deadline today) do include the withdrawal of the Horsforth – White Rose Centre 9 service. We have registered a journey 9S to cover an early morning journey used by students.

“Please note the 9A evening contract operated on behalf of WY Combined Authority, which expires at the end of April, will be revised to operate between Seacroft & White Rose only.

“From the same date we will be introducing a new timetable on the X11 Leeds – Pudsey – Bradford including the withdrawal of some under-used early and late journeys.

“I do appreciate the challenges around such changes but these actions are necessary now to ensure we move towards a sustainable network going forward.

“Please note communication to customers with further detail is planned for early next week.

“Also for the Pudsey constituents this includes some changes to the 14 service which will be revised to operate between Pudsey and Leeds only with a new hourly timetable. Customers wishing to travel to Logic Business Park will be able to connect with the PR2 ‘Temple Green’ service which will now observe stops along Pontefract Lane.”

WLD reported leaked plans could see the numbers 87, 64, 47,48, 9 and 9A be permanently withdrawn by the company. A further seven West Yorkshire services are at risk of having their frequencies slashed.

The move would also be in spite of the Department of Transport (DfT) extending emergency funding for bus operators from the end of March until June.

One Leeds councillor, whose residents would be affected by the proposed changes, said on Turesday “whole communities are at risk of being cut off” from repeated cuts.

First did not comment when repeatedly approached for comment last week. last Monday, the company said on Twitter it was “continuing to work closely with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to finalise details”, ahead of a March 3 deadline for announcing the changes.

Possible changes in full, according to the leaked plans

Services which could be withdrawn:

9 – White Rose Centre-Pudsey-Farsley-Horsforth

9A – Seacroft-Colton-Swillington-Rothwell-Middleton-White Rose Centre-Pudsey-Farsley-Horsforth

47 – Leeds-Hunslet-Middleton-Morley-White Rose Centre

48 – Wigton Moor-Moortown-Chapeltown-Leeds-Hunslet-Middleton-Morley-White Rose Centre

64 – Leeds-Cross Gates-Barwick-in-Elmet-Aberford

87 – St James’ Hospital-East End Park-Hunslet-Holbeck-Armley-Bramley

Services which could have their frequency cut:

14 – Pudsey-Armley-Leeds-Logic Business Park

X11 – Leeds-Armley-Pudsey

508 – Halifax-Shelf-Thornbury-Leeds

181 – Huddersfield-Cowlersley-Slaithwaite-Wilberlee

183 – Huddersfield-Cowlersley-Slaithwaite-Wilberlee-Marsden

184 – Huddersfield-Cowlersley-Slaithwaite-Wilberlee-Marsden-Lees-Oldham

185 – Huddersfield-Cowlersley-Slaithwaite-Wilberlee-Marsden

WLD readers have already reacted with anger and concern to the proposals.

Cllr Simon Seary is urging Pudsey bus users to e-mail him on Simon.Seary@Leeds.gov.uk with their concerns.

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‘Leggy’ Farsley Celtic held to draw by Telford in crunch relegation fight

By
westleedslife
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0
Farsley Celtic's Frank Mulhern battles against Telford's defenders in a recent 0-0 draw. Photo: John McEvoy/Leeds Shots

“It probably wasn’t one for the purists,” Farsley Celtic boss Russ Wilcox said after the final whistle of his side’s 0-0 draw at home to bottom side AFC Telford United.

While the hard-earned point lifted his side to third from bottom in the National League North and two points from safety, Wilcox is experienced enough to know that these are the games you need to be winning if you’re going to avoid the relegation trap door.

And a tired first half performance in what could prove a pivotal game in the Celts’ season will surely have concerned him.

A point apiece was probably a fair reflection of the 90 minutes, but the biggest chance did fall to the visitors’ Kai Williams in the second half, and he will probably still be wondering how he didn’t hit the target.

Telford certainly looked the fresher of the two sides in the first half having had a free midweek, but chances were limited in the early stages, as they were throughout the game.

Luke Parkin on the attack against Telford. Photo: John McEvoy

Adam Livingstone caught a volley sweetly but struck it straight down the throat of Max Dearnley, before at the other end Joe Young was quickly off his line to thwart Luke Parkin.

The biggest opportunity of the first period fell to Telford’s Montel Gibson 20 minutes in as he powered into the box and drove a powerful strike across goal, denied by a stunning one-handed save from Max Dearnley.

After the break, it was Farsley who looked to force the game open with the introduction of Dave Syers, which brought with it the Celts’ best period.

Frank Mulhern fired a long-range strike just over the crossbar, Joe Young had to be quick off his line to smother Dave Syers’ effort on the stretch from point-blank range, and Mulhern saw his lobbed effort cleared off the line by Harry Flowers.

But it would be Williams who had the best opportunity of the 90 minutes, turning his man in the box to find a pocket of space before somehow dragging across the goal and wide from inside the six-yard box.

There would be one last moment of danger for the visitors when a long ball sent Frank Mulhern charging towards goal, but Young and Flowers did enough between them to deter the Farsley forward, before Theo Williams’ attempt to head the loose ball goal-ward was cleared to safety.

The Celts – who have had four draws in the last five games – will be hoping Tom Allan’s injury isn’t a bad one, with the defender heading straight off to the dressing room after being substituted 10 minutes into the second half.

Celts boss Wilcox will surely look to rotate his small squad as his side’s relentless schedule continues and over the next ten days. They face tough trips to table toppers Kings Lynn Town on Tuesday, before Saturday’s FA Trophy quarter final at Gateshead and then a home match the following Tuesday against fellow strugglers Leamington.

Match reaction

Ross Wilcox praised his side’s commitment and togetherness and felt his side edged the second half. He was also pleased by three straight clean sheets at home but said his side needed more quality up front to transform draws into wins.

Line ups

Farsley Celtic: Dearnley, Scales, Butroid, Johnson, Butler, Allan (Turner 55 ), Clayton, Atkinson, Ubaezuonu (Williams 78), Mulhern, Parkin (Syers 55). Subs not used: Jessop, Devine.

AFC Telford United: Young, Piggott, Flowers, Cameron, Burke, Ekpolo, Evans, Livingstone (Bood 67), Salmon (Williams 59), Allen, Gibson. Subs not used: Rowe, Moore, Daniels.

Attendance: 346.

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West Leeds planning applications: 5 March 2023

By
westleedslife
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0

Each week we publish a list of the latest planning applications related to the six council wards in West Leeds.

The following new applications were published on the Leeds City Council website in the past seven days:

Armley Ward

Bramley & Stanningley Ward

Calverley & Farsley Ward

Farnley & Wortley Ward

  • None submitted.

Kirkstall Ward

  • Tree works, Kirkstall Vicarage, Vicarage View, Kirkstall, Leeds LS5 3HF.
  • Tree works, CEG Suite A, Ground Floor, 1 Great Exhibition Way, Kirkstall, Leeds.

Pudsey Ward

Decided applications

Here are the planning applications decided by Leeds City Council this week:

Armley Ward

Bramley & Stanningley Ward

Calverley & Farsley Ward

Farnley & Wortley Ward

Kirkstall Ward

Pudsey Ward

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Stanningley Road set for permanent speed cameras, council confirms

By
westleedslife
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1

Council chiefs have said that parts of Stanningley Road DO now meet the criteria for permanent speed cameras following years of campaigning by local residents.

Attendees of Armley Forum meetings have long been calling for speed cameras to tackle problems connected to the A647 Stanningley Road in Armley amid concerns about the number of accidents in the area.

Now, following a meeting with police and senior highways officers, local councillors have had confirmation that the road now meets more relaxed criteria for static speed cameras which was announced in January by the West Yorkshire Safety Camera Partnership.

Council officers hope the cameras will be installed later this year as part of a project which includes adding average speed cameras along the Outer Ring Road and Stanningley Bypass.

Speaking on social media yesterday, Cllr Lou Cunningham (Green, Armley) said: “I advised [the meeting] that we would be presenting the petition, which has now been signed by around 700 people. Let’s continue to work together.

“Thoughts and prayers to all affected by the tragic road traffic events this year and in previous ones.”

The petition – signed by over 700 people in a little over a week – calls for an “urgent review of road safety measures Stanningley Road/Cockshott Lane.”

The junction of Stanningley Road with Cockshott Lane has come under the spotlight following the death of 28-year-old Athira Anilkumar Laly Kumari killed while standing at the bus stop near the former Church of the Venerable Bede. Another man, in his 40s, was seriously injured.

A statement from Cllrs Jim McKenna and Alice Smart (both Lab, Armley) – who had both backed calls for speed cameras – said: “We are pleased that the police and highways officers have heard and noted our concerns and are responding accordingly.

“Currently, due to the ongoing investigation we cannot comment further. We will give a fuller statement and updates when it is appropriate to do so.”

A 25-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving following Wednesday’s crash and has since been released on bail as police enquiries continue into the collision.

Farsley Celtic prepare for crunch relegation scrap as they entertain AFC Telford United

By
westleedslife
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0
Frank Mulhern farsley celtic
Frank Mulhern leaps high for Farsley Celtic at The Citadel. Photo: John McEvoy/Leeds Shots

By Thomas Ritchie

Farsley Celtic welcome AFC Telford United to the Citadel on Saturday, looking to return to winning ways in a significant game in the fight to avoid relegation.

The Bucks are currently bottom of the National League North, 14 points behind the Celts, and a win for Farsley, depending on other results, could see them move out of the relegation zone.

Tuesday evening saw Russ Wilcox’s side’s seven-game unbeaten run come to an end with a 3-1 defeat at AFC Fylde, but they will remain confident heading into this weekend having gone unbeaten at home since November 22.

Kevin Wilkin’s side are without a win in their last 10, but their most recent success did come on the road when they defeated Buxton 2-0 in January.

It is just under a month since we made the trip to the New Bucks Head Stadium, leaving with a point thanks to Andy Butler’s first-half leveller.

Ahead of Saturday’s fixture, Russ Wilcox said: “They’re all big games, and we know our home form is going to be key.

“Our away form’s been great, five unbeaten before tonight (at Fylde), they’re top of the league now so it was always going to be difficult.

“I thought we were excellent, it could have gone either way. I’ve seen teams go 3-1 and crumble, but no, we went the other way and put the foot on the gas and looked by far the better team in the second half.”

TEAM NEWS

Dave Syers is nearing a return for the Celts, which would leave Russ Wilcox with a fully-fit squad to select from. Defender Isaac Assensio left the Celts for Guiseley on a month-long loan earlier this week after starting only one game in 2023.

TICKETS

Tickets can be bought online by clicking here.

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Leeds ‘undecided’ over Plant Based Treaty to move people away from eating meat

By
westleedslife
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2
The global petition is encouraging people to adopt a vegan diet.

By David Spereall, local democracy reporter

Leeds is undecided over whether or not to join other councils in backing a global petition promoting vegan diets.

The local authority says its reluctant to “dictate” what people should and shouldn’t eat and “hasn’t reached a view” on whether or not to back it.

Edinburgh recently became the first capital city in the world to support the Plant Based Treaty, which is encouraging people to move away from meat-based products in an effort to fight climate change.

Backing the treaty in full would effectively ban new animal farms and slaughterhouses opening in Leeds, end meat consumptions in local schools and see plant-based diets actively promoted by the council.

Haywards Heath in Sussex and Los Angeles are also among the 20 local governments around the world who’ve signed up to the pledge.

But at a scrutiny meeting on Thursday, Leeds’ chief officer for sustainable energy, Polly Cook, said there were concerns the council would “lose dialogue” with some people over the climate emergency.

The council drafted a food strategy last year, which is aimed at shifting the city towards sustainable eating, but its proposed measures are not as radical as if it signed up to the Plant Based Treaty.

Asked by Green councillor Ed Carlisle if Leeds was considering following Edinburgh, Ms Cook said: “I have seen the treaty. I don’t think we’ve reached a view on it.

“When we did the food strategy we were cautious as a council in terms of dictating what people should eat and we focused more on providing the right information allowing people to make a conscious decision.

“If you were to follow health recommendations you would naturally reduce your carbon footprint from food significantly and that’s about eating less meat, but better quality meat as well.

“We’ve not gone as far as saying it’s ‘plant-based or nothing’ because we want to reach out to everyone.

“There’s a risk if you go down that path that you lose dialogue with a certain part of the audience. You want to be able to appeal to a wide spectrum.”

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‘High and dry’ – readers’ anger over possible bus cuts in West Leeds

By
westleedslife
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0
pudsey bus station
Pudsey Bus Station.

Furious WLD readers have spoken out against the possible axing of some bus services and cuts to others.

As reported earlier this week, bus services – including routes serving West Leeds – could be axed in April by the operator First, and others face cuts to their frequency.

The numbers 87, 64, 47,48, 9 and 9A might all be permanently withdrawn by the company, according to leaked plans.

A further seven West Yorkshire services are at risk of having their frequencies slashed, including numbers 14, X11 and 508.

The planned changes have not been confirmed, but if they go ahead, they are likely to take effect from April 2.

The proposals have been met with anger on social media by bus users in West Leeds.

Eve Fox says her son and a ‘bus full’ of students catch the bus to college and would be left unable to get there.

“9 is the only bus to White Rose Centre also the only bus to Elliott Hudson College … how are students meant to get to college and non drivers to White Rose Centre?” Eve asked.

“I am so cross they may remove this service, my son is at Elliott Hudson college, he already gets the 7am bus because the 8am was always late. not getting him to college until 9.15am. Yesterday and today the bus hasn’t come at all. He’s had to get a bus to Leeds and then to White Rose… he tells me the 7am bus is always full too, so there will be a lot of annoyed people!”

Rhonda Meadmore added: “First Bradford have been actively avoiding picking up waiting passengers on the 508 route on an evening for a while now, they clearly are trying to show there’s no need for the service (been forced to walk home alone at 9/10 pm unexpectedly a few times or wait another hour).

“It’s wonderful living on Leeds & Bradford Road, yet not having a first bus service to Leeds nor Bradford!”

Elaine Trees simply asked: “9 is the only bus from Pudsey to Horsforth. Why?”

Jo Herbert added: “Please don’t change the frequency of the 14! It’s just about the only service from Bramley that consistently gets into the city centre before 9am!”

And Marlene Harwood of Pudsey expressed her frustration. She said: “Annoying [as] not everyone can drive. As a pensioner I don’t want to rely on lifts but it is only 9/9A that connects us to the White Rose and what about people that work there and to Horsforth? Also 14 and X11 will be missed. May as well pull the bus station down because of the trouble it causes with youths.”

“Farnley doesn’t have a lot of buses at the best of times, losing the number 9 is a blow,” said another bus user. “We’re being left high and dry.”

Around 30 more First services were believed to be at risk of changes or withdrawal had the extra DfT funding not been announced, although questions remain about their long-term futures after June.

The move would also be in spite of the Department of Transport (DfT) extending emergency funding for bus operators from the end of March until June.

One Leeds councillor, whose residents would be affected by the proposed changes, said earlier this week that “whole communities are at risk of being cut off” from repeated cuts.

Possible changes in full, according to the leaked plans

Services which could be withdrawn:

9 – White Rose Centre-Pudsey-Farsley-Horsforth

9A – Seacroft-Colton-Swillington-Rothwell-Middleton-White Rose Centre-Pudsey-Farsley-Horsforth

47 – Leeds-Hunslet-Middleton-Morley-White Rose Centre

48 – Wigton Moor-Moortown-Chapeltown-Leeds-Hunslet-Middleton-Morley-White Rose Centre

64 – Leeds-Cross Gates-Barwick-in-Elmet-Aberford

87 – St James’ Hospital-East End Park-Hunslet-Holbeck-Armley-Bramley

Services which could have their frequency cut:

14 – Pudsey-Armley-Leeds-Logic Business Park

X11 – Leeds-Armley-Pudsey

508 – Halifax-Shelf-Thornbury-Leeds

181 – Huddersfield-Cowlersley-Slaithwaite-Wilberlee

183 – Huddersfield-Cowlersley-Slaithwaite-Wilberlee-Marsden

184 – Huddersfield-Cowlersley-Slaithwaite-Wilberlee-Marsden-Lees-Oldham

185 – Huddersfield-Cowlersley-Slaithwaite-Wilberlee-Marsden

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Third of Bramley bus fleet to be fully electric

By
westleedslife
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0
Simon Carlisle (centre left) with Cllr Peter Carlill and members of the Bramley depot team celebrate the Zebra funding success.

A third of the First Bus fleet at its Bramley depot in Leeds will be fully electric by 2024, bus bosses have confirmed today.

As First Bus and the Combined Authority (WYCA) have been successful in securing Department for Transport (DfT) approval to boost their existing Zero Emission Bus Regional Area (ZEBRA) project.

This means the company will co-fund an additional 25 double-decker electric buses in Bramley with 58% of the funding provided by First Bus and the remaining 42% from the Government’s ZEBRA scheme.

Additional investment from First Bus totals £8 million and will accelerate the full zero emission transformation of the depot.

Green plans: The FirstBus Depot on Henconner Lane will host a new fleet of electric vehicles. Photo: Google

WLD reported last November that £2.3m plans to install electric charging points at the Henconner Lane depot has been approved by council planners.

Deputy Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee Cllr Peter Carlill (Calverley & Farsley) said: “Greener buses are always a welcome sight on our road, so I welcome this funding to increase West Yorkshire’s fleet of them.

“People living in our region have a right to expect clean air, which is why the West Yorkshire Combined Authority has targeted a net zero carbon economy by 2038, with a focus on transport.

“We still have plenty of work to do, but these new buses, as well as the improvements we’re making to the Bramley depot, put us well on our way to achieving a greener and healthier future for our region.”

Simon Carlisle, Engineering Director of First Bus in West Yorkshire, said: “This sets us on a clear path to transforming Bramley and expanding our electric bus fleet in Leeds.

“We are delighted to be accelerating investment, supported by co-funding from the Department for Transport. As leaders in sustainable mobility, we are fully aligned with the Government and Combined Authority ambition for a net-zero carbon transport system.

“We are excited to take our people on this journey with us and look forward to the Bramley project coming to fruition and the first vehicles going into service for our customers.”

This latest boost represents a total investment from First Bus in Leeds of £15.8m, alongside ZEBRA funding of £12.6m. It follows First Bus’s ZEBRA success last year, which saw the operator place an order for 32 electric buses for Bramley as part of the largest purchase of EV buses to date with a total of 193 vehicles from British manufacturer Wrightbus.

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Elida Gibbs Playing Fields listed as asset of community value

By
westleedslife
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0
Elida Gibbs playing field. Photo: Kirkstall.net

Playing fields in Burley have been listed as assets of community value in a bid to preserve them, council documents have confirmed.

Elida Gibbs Playing Fields, on Stanmore Street, has been listed as an asset of community value, following a nomination from Leeds Hyde Park Football Club, which is an unincorporated group. 

The Elida Gibbs playing fields are currently used as full sized football pitches by nominator, Leeds Hyde Park Football Club.

A council report said: “The nominator advises that these playing fields are the only site within the immediate locality that offer full-sized football pitches for the use of their teams.

“These teams have proven very popular, with interest growing significantly over the last year, and it is anticipated that this membership will increase further over the next few years, generating more subscription fees and further income for the club, bolstering its viability, and that of the use of the site, in the long-term.

“The nominator advises that should the use of the Elida Gibbs playing fields become unavailable as a sporting facility for the local community, there would be no alternative site in the local area with the same facilities that would be able to be used by the club.

“This would be insensitive to the social interest needs and capabilities of the local community who use the site, some of which would be unable to travel the distance to and from this site. The club also acts as a crucial part of integrating new arrivals into the community.”

The report adds that the Elida Gibbs playing fields are also used regularly by other members of the local community for informal leisure activities and dog walking.

“As such, the designation of the site as an Asset of Community Value would serve to protect the social wellbeing of the members of the local community that currently use it,” it adds.

Parts of the ground are regularly used by Leeds Rhinos fans for parking.

The council’s report can be read in full here.

According to Kirkstall.net, the sports pitches off Stanmore Terrace in Burley were acquired by the Council around 1983 though a land swap promoted by the Kirkstall councillors and engineered by George Mudie when he was council leader.

The ground originally belonged to Taylors Drug Company, whose original premises can still be seen on Burley Road nearby. In 1935 this firm became the retail chemists Timothy Whites and Taylors. They were subsequently taken over by Boots, and finished as part of the Elida Gibbs toothpaste and cosmetics conglomerate, which is now part of Unilever.

There is a local myth that the name marks some bequest or trust, but these were ordinary commercial transactions. Elida Gibbs were moving to Seacroft and tried to sell their sports ground in Burley for house building. They were persuaded to pass it to the council, but acquired another council site in exchange.

A visit to ‘Kirkstall Forge’ – an exhibition at Armley Mills

By
westleedslife
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0
The physical exhibits are eclectic. Here a satchel with brass plates showing ownership by a succession of the Butler family. Then a letter dated 1824 mixing business and family matters. Then a hub cap from the axel of a horse drawn cart - staple production of the forge at the time. Photo: Ivor Hughes

By Ivor Hughes

Leeds Industrial Museum at Armley Mills plugs itself as being a museum of 1,000 trades.

One of those trades, iron forging, is the subject of a small though well researched exhibition – Hammer Heart: Seven Centuries of Kirkstall Forgerunning until 8 October.

The exhibition acknowledges the creation of a forge in the thirteenth century by the Cistercian monks at Kirkstall Abbey.

What a curious item! Ambrose Butler and Isabella Holgate exchanged love letters between 1837 and their marriage in 1841. Their son Hugh collated them and published this book privately in 1939. Original copies are available from online sellers for between £30 and £60. Photo: Ivor Hughes

Though it focuses mainly on the post-industrial incarnation under the ownership and innovation of six generations of the Butler family in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

The exhibition was facilitated by Aleks Fagelman (museum staff) and is being co-curated by local volunteers.

Open Tuesday to Friday and Bank Holiday Mondays 10am-5pm, weekends 12pm-5pm.

Owlcotes Academy Trust marks fifth birthday with reading initiative

By
westleedslife
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0
Celebration: Youngsters at Calverley Parkside Primary

An academy trust which runs four West Leeds schools is celebrating its fifth birthday by boosting the schools’ library and reading offer.

The Owlcotes Multi-Academy Trust was established in March 2018 by two founding primary schools, Pudsey Primrose Hill and Pudsey Waterloo, with the aim of developing a collaborative approach to school improvement, and a commitment to preserving the unique identity of any schools that join. 

The Trust has grown in size by adding Calverley Parkside and Armley Park schools and says more schools which will be joining shortly.

Lesley West, Owlcotes Multi-Academy Trust Chief Executive Officer, said: “I am proud of our achievements since our establishment in March 2018.

Celebration time at Pudsey Waterloo Primary School.

“Owlcotes was set up with a genuine desire to provide an excellent education for all pupils. Collaboration is at the heart of our Trust; each school is an equal partner and our dedicated staff are committed to providing an inclusive and ambitious curriculum for all of our pupils.

“There is an emphasis on developing collaborative learning communities and networks across our Trust, to continue to develop good practice within our philosophy of ‘Working Together to Achieve Excellence’.

Smiles better at Armley Park Primary School.

“We firmly believe in schools having their own individuality. This preservation of unique identity enables our schools to focus on the key priorities of teaching and learning that are specific to their own schools and communities. 

“The anniversary of the formation of the Trust is a time for celebration. I am hugely proud of what we have achieved so far and would like to thank everyone involved with Owlcotes Trust for their contribution to our continuing success.”

High fives: Pudsey Primrose Hill.

Owlcotes also works with schools outside the Trust, offering school improvement support, a coaching programme ‘ElevatED’, and initial teacher training through the School Direct route into teaching.

Government confirms 25 electric buses for FirstBus Bramley depot as part of Yorkshire rollout

By
westleedslife
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0
Green plans: The FirstBus Depot on Henconner Lane will host a new fleet of electric vehicles. Photo: Google

Public transport users across Yorkshire will enjoy greener, cleaner journeys as an extra 34 British-made electric buses are rolled out thanks to £7.6 million in Government investment.

The latest investment announced today means that the First Bus York depot will operate fully electric fleets by March 2024, one of the first bus depots in the UK outside London to reach this milestone.

Meanwhile, the government has confirmed 25 brand new electric buses will also be introduced at the Bramley bus depot in Henconner Lane bringing the total number of electric buses funded by the ZEBRA scheme in West Yorkshire to 136.

WLD reported last November that £2.3m plans to install electric charging points at the Bramley depot has been approved by council planners.

The funding comes from an extra £25.3 million rolled out nationwide to pave the way for the Government’s ambitious rollout of zero emission buses (ZEBs).

The funding is an additional investment from the Zero Emission Buses Regional Area (ZEBRA) scheme, which was launched in 2021 to allow local transport authorities to bid for funding for zero emission buses and supporting infrastructure.

The move brings total Government funding from the ZEBRA scheme to almost £300 million for up to 1,395 zero emission buses in England.  

Roads Minister Richard Holden said: 

“Buses are the most popular form of public transport, and these new British-built zero emission buses will help clean up the air in communities across Yorkshire.  

“We’re providing an additional £7.6 million to roll out 34 new electric buses to provide residents in Yorkshire with better, cleaner and quieter journeys, as we step up a gear to reach net zero faster and level up transport across the country.” 

Zero-emission buses are also often cheaper to run, improving the economics for bus operators. All these additional buses funded through the ZEBRA scheme are battery electric.  

This latest investment will support British manufacturing around the country. The new buses will be manufactured in Northern Ireland by Wrightbus and operated by FirstBus, supporting hundreds of new high-skilled jobs to help level up and grow the economy.  

 Janette Bell, Managing Director at First Bus said:

“We are delighted to be accelerating investment in the electrification of our bus fleet and infrastructure, supported by co-funding from the Department for Transport. As leaders in sustainable mobility, we are fully aligned with the Government’s ambitions for a net-zero carbon transport system. We are rapidly transforming our business with zero emission bus fleets and will continue to work closely with central and local government across the UK to deliver our decarbonisation plans.” 

The move is part of the Government’s wider £3 billion National Bus Strategy to significantly improve bus services, with lower and simpler fares, more integrated ticketing and higher frequencies.

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