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.
![MetroLocal launch]()
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.