Wednesday 3 June

Metro has warned that the number of fare-paying bus passengers in West Yorkshire could drop by more than 5% in general and as much as 10% on certain routes as a result of fare rises, reductions in frequency and large-scale service cuts.

Research carried out by the organisation indicates that bus operator First could lose significant numbers of customers as the combined effects of an 8% fare rise in January 2008 and a further 8% in July 2008, reductions by 20 to 25% in service frequencies and cuts to services are felt.

Special meetings called

Special meetings of the West Yorkshire Integrated Transport Authority's Bradford, Kirklees and Leeds Passenger Consultative Committees (PCCs) have been called to consider the changes to commercial bus services that have been registered.

Metro Chairman Councillor Chris Greaves, who last week was extremely critical of First's planned cuts, has condemned the company's approach as 'entirely short-term'.

"Current legislation means Metro can't shape bus services and that these decisions lie entirely with the operators but if we have reached the stage where they are incapable of considering the needs of their customers, making commercial decisions and planning for the future, it's time for a shake-up in the industry."

First 'fixated' on profit

Councillor Greaves said that First was fixated on increasing profit levels today rather than growing the business in the long-term

"Of course commercial companies need to make a profit but they have to cut their cloth to suit the economic climate and many are currently accepting reduced margins," he

"First however seems hell-bent on increasing profit levels no matter what the cost to services and passengers.

"It's certainly not the role of Metro to subsidise those high profit rises for First's shareholders from the public purse."