Metro wants to improve bus services throughout West Yorkshire, reverse the current decline in passenger numbers and ensure passengers have services that meet their needs and expectations.

To do this, Metro plans to introduce a Quality Contract Scheme or Partnership that would make Metro responsible for setting routes, fares, timetables and quality standards.

The private companies that run the buses now would then run services under contract to Metro.

Had your say?

Metro held informal consultations across West Yorkshire.

Read the results from the consultations (pdf, 1.6mb - opens in new window)

Metro's proposed Bus Quality Contract Scheme will form part of our work with the district councils on the 15-year Local Transport Plan; you can find more information on the Plan and its proposals on its own web site.

Metro would like to see:

• simple fares and smartcard-based tickets (like the Oyster card in London) that could be used on all public transport services in West Yorkshire;
• a public transport network that is easier to understand and use;
• fewer service and timetable changes;
• better connections with rail services;
• more reliable bus services that arrive on time;
• a standard compensation policy for passengers if things go wrong.

How will we do this?

The first formal step in introducing a Bus Quality Contract Scheme is for Metro to publish a ‘Public Interest Statement’. This is a public document that will set out more details about Metro’s proposals and must show how a Bus Quality Contract Scheme would be in the interest of the public in West Yorkshire.

Metro currently aims to publish a Public Interest Statement during 2012 to be followed by a period of formal public consultation on the proposals.
The scheme could then be introduced from 2013. At the same time the Association of Bus Operators in West Yorkshire (ABOWY) is continuing to consider how they could achieve the same benefits through working in partnership.

Use the links on this page to find out more information about the development of the Quality Bus Contract Scheme for West Yorkshire.

You can contact us by email: qualitycontracts@wypte.gov.uk or in writing: Bus Development Team, Metro, Wellington House, 40-50 Wellington Street, Leeds, LS1 2DE