MetroLocal, a series of innovative new bus services jointly funded with Kirklees Council, began operating in some local communities in the Kirklees District from Monday 10 December.
Between 9.30am and 2.30pm, Monday to Friday, MetroLocal buses provide people with links to local services such as health and community centres, libraries, Post Offices and shops in North Huddersfield, South Huddersfield and the Spen Valley.
Adults pay just £1 to travel anywhere along the route, and MetroCard, West Yorkshire DayRover and Metro concessionary permits can be used too.
The seven MetroLocal services are:
“MetroLocal is an ideal way for us to develop new routes, not already served by buses, which communities tell us they need,” said Metro Chairman Councillor Ryk Downes. It also ensures local people get the maximum benefit from vehicles which are providing a key service to nearby schools.
“We held consultations with Local Area Committees, with the aim of reducing social exclusion by supplementing the existing bus network to provide links to local facilities and amenities,” he continued.
”The MetroLocal services starting in December are the result of these consultations.”
MetroLocal is being jointly funded by Metro and Kirklees Council.
Metro has drawn up the community-based MetroLocal services using purpose-built, fully-accessible vehicles which include a securing point for wheelchairs, buggy space and provision for storage of shopping, and will be of particular benefit to people with mobility impairments. The vehicles are currently being used to transport pupils to and from local special educational needs schools as part of Metro’s My bus scheme.
“If MetroLocal proves successful in these communities, Metro aims to develop similar services across Kirklees and West Yorkshire,” added Cllr Downes.
