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West Yorkshire Bus Alliance measure to support public transport users during the COVID-19 pandemic

People will be able to see how full the next bus is at hundreds of stops across West Yorkshire following an upgrade to information displays.

Bus passengers using Arriva, First and Transdev services will now be able to know the capacity of their service before it arrives as over 1,750 of West Yorkshires real-time display screens have been enhanced to show how full buses are before they arrive.

With social distancing measures in place on all buses, there are fewer seats available than normal and the upgrade is designed to help keep passengers informed about capacity on services.

Information screens at bus stops and shelters will now show up to three seat icons, one meaning space is available on the bus, two indicating space is limited, and three showing the bus is at capacity. Once a bus is at its capacity the driver will only allow people off the bus until it is safe to accept passengers again.

This new capability has been developed and implemented by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority working with its West Yorkshire Bus Alliance partners to help manage social distancing on board.

Cllr Kim Groves, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee, said:

“This new service has been introduced in direct response to the pandemic and to allow those who need to use public transport to feel safer and ensure they can maintain social distancing on board to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

“Working with our partners in the West Yorkshire Bus Alliance we have been able to connect the data held by bus operators with the displays at stops and shelters so passengers have the best information possible.”

During the current national lockdown, public transport is available for those who need it, but people should only leave home for food, medical reasons, exercise, education or work.

Capacity is currently limited across services and passengers are being asked to allow extra time, consider the time of day they travel, follow social distancing guidelines, wear a face covering and check their journey before setting off. Cycling and walking journeys should be considered if it is possible to do so.

The latest travel information is available at www.wymetro.com.