Campaign to reinstate 508 bus in Farsley ramps up – updated

Councillors have written to First Bus and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to try get the 508 bus re-routed through Farsley.

The service used to pass through Farsley until a review by First Bus saw the Halifax to Leeds service rerouted to operate along the ring road and Stanningley Bypass and miss out Farsley, Rodley and parts of Bramley.

WLD reported yesterday that local resident Simon Benoub has launched a petition to get the service reinstated in the village.

In a statement today Councillor Peter Carlill (Lab, Calverley & Farsley) said he opposed the changes when originally announced by First Bus, and has continued to campaign.

“This campaign led to the creation of the 60a route alongside Transdev/Keighley Bus, which helped return some of the lost connections, but does not replace the 508,” Cllr Carlill said.

“Most recently Cllr Craig Timmins and I wrote to both First Bus and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA), asking both to again review the change. We have had confirmation that both had agreed to undertake a review, but not had the outcome as of yet.

“WYCA came back to say they had reviewed passenger numbers and journey times, which were the reasons First Bus gave for the reroute. Passenger numbers per trip have not improved by the changes, however it now runs less frequently so technically this is a drop in passengers. 

“Journey times have shortened considerably by taking a different route, but if this isn’t leading to increased passenger numbers then it isn’t providing a benefit to either the operator or passengers.

“We await the conclusions of the review, but would ask First Bus to take into account the real impacts this loss of service is having on our community as highlighted in the petition. Especially in an area much of which is already impacted by poor provision and connectivity.”

The changes have also been strongly opposed by Councillor Andrew Carter (Cons, Calverley & Farsley).

“I am delighted to support the residents’ campaign, it has been like banging your head against a brick wall to get the Mayoral Authority to realise the damage the withdrawal of the service has caused,” Cllr Carter said. “People are rightly very cross. Perhaps they will now start to listen, and not before time.”

In launching his petition, local resident Simon Banoub said: “The reinstatement of the 508 bus route is not just a move for the convenience of Farsley’s residents, but also in alignment with our shared commitment to a more sustainable future.

“We urge First Bus West Yorkshire to review their decision and restore the 508 bus route through Farsley. Please sign this petition to bring the much-needed change.”

The petition can be found here.