Wednesday 8 April, 2009
Bradford’s FreeCityBus became permanent today when its continuation until 2013 was approved by Metro’s Tendered Services Working Group.
Almost 420,000 passengers have used Bradford FreeCityBus since its six-month trial period was launched by Metro and Bradford Council at the end of September2008. It now carries an average of 36 passengers per trip which far exceeds the target of 10, originally set to gauge the success of the service.
A survey has shown that people are using Bradford FreeCityBus to make trips in the city centre that they wouldn’t otherwise have made and that the service is encouraging people out of their cars. All of the passengers interviewed said the FreeCityBus greatly improved their ability to access city centre facilities and services.
Metro Councillors today agreed to provide 50% funding, which this year represents just over £120,000, for the service to operate until September 2013. The other 50% was agreed recently by Bradford Council. Sponsorship of £37,500 for the service, secured from Bradford College, Sovereign Health Care and the University of Bradford, will be shared between Metro and Bradford Council.
“The FreeBus services that Metro has introduced in Leeds, Huddersfield, Wakefield and, most recently, Bradford have now carried almost 6.9 million passengers between them,” said Metro Chairman Councillor Chris Greaves.
“Feedback from research show that Bradford FreeCityBus is helping more people, some of whom have mobility problems, to make trips in the city centre and is removing over 325 car journeys per week from the city’s roads.
“I am delighted that Metro, with the backing of the City Council and the service’s sponsors, has been able to introduce a service which can only be a benefit our local economy.”
Coun Anne Hawkesworth, Bradford Council's executive member for the Environment, said: "I'm delighted the free city bus has proved so popular. It's a real asset for shoppers travelling from the Interchange to the Oastler Centre and for people travelling from Forster Square railway station to Bradford Interchange and Bradford University and back.
"As we are such a hilly city, it's a boon for the elderly and less mobile."
Find out more about Metro FreeBus services.
