Elland-based Yorkshire Tiger bus service takes on more routes

This weekend saw changes to a number of bus contracts that are awarded by West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Yorkshire Tiger had operated services between Bradford, Shipley and Leeds Bradford Airport.

But earlier this year the Combined Authority took part in a procurement process for several local services, including several of those operated by Yorkshire Tiger.

After failing to secure the airport contracts, the Elland based bus operator notified the Combined Authority of its plans to withdraw from the Shipley contracts.

These have now been taken over by Bradford based TLC Travel Ltd.

But Yorkshire Tiger has taken over a number of services that were impacted when TJ Walsh, trading as Halifax Bus Company, ceased trading earlier in lockdown.

Yorkshire Tiger and South Pennine Community Transport were awarded the contract to run a number of the company’s former services.

And the change has meant Yorkshire Tiger has been able to launch a new route – the 502 that will link Keighley and Halifax via Denholme and Cullingworth.

There have long been calls for a more regular route between the two towns from residents and local politicians.

The Airport service will now be run by Transdev – with the routes named “Flyer” services.

The changes will be discussed by Members of the Combined Authority’s Transport Committee, which meets on Friday.

Members will be told that the re-tendering process began earlier this year, but was delayed by the Covid 19 pandemic.

Referring to the changes to the Airport routes, a report to the committee says: “Route changes to the Bradford services will enable a faster journey time between the City and the Airport and new links to Apperley Bridge rail station.”

The changes come as more bus routes are expected to return to more normal timetables, almost six months after the Covid 19 pandemic saw a huge drop off in bus services and passenger numbers.

A spokesman for Yorkshire Tiger said: “Yorkshire Tiger previously ran a number of services in the Shipley area under contract to West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

“Following a retendering exercise, these services will now be operated by TLC.

“We’re very excited to be launching our new route 502 between Halifax and Keighley, in partnership with West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

“This new service will run generally hourly Monday to Saturday daytimes, reconnecting the two towns by bus for the first time in five years.

“The service starts on September 1, and we’re looking forward to welcoming new customers on board.”