Transdev has opened an operating centre near Bradford to launch a new partnership service to Leeds Bradford Airport
A new partnership between operator Transdev, West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) and Leeds Bradford Airport is delivering the new Flyer service, which will link Leeds, Bradford and Harrogate with the airport seven days a week and help deliver a post-lockdown boost for Yorkshire’s economy.
The deal creates 10 new jobs and secures 47 more at Transdev’s newly-acquired operating base for the new network at Idle, near Bradford. The fleet of Yorkshire-built buses in an eye-catching new livery will offer Flyer customers a first-class journey experience at economy fares, wireless and USB power at every seat; plenty of luggage space; fast and free WiFi; comfortable seating with leather headrests; audio-visual next stop announcements and double-glazed windows to enjoy Yorkshire views.
The three dedicated Flyer routes will link Leeds Bradford Airport with Bradford, Leeds and Harrogate, with services running from early morning until late night to offer easy connections with flight arrivals and departures. To launch its Flyer buses, Transdev is offering a chance to win flights for two from Leeds Bradford to Newquay or Southampton with Eastern Airways; details are available on its website and social media channels.
The new Flyer bus network will also be integrated with Yorkshire’s existing bus and train networks, with through ticketing to Leeds Bradford Airport from any rail station on the national network, and from departure points nationwide served by coach operators National Express and Megabus.
Transdev CEO Alex Hornby said: “We’re delighted to have secured a multi-year contract to introduce these amazing Flyer buses to Yorkshire. This new service is a very important element of our growth strategy and will attract new customers by creating buses that people are proud to be seen on.
“Together with our partners, we’re creating and securing jobs while supporting Yorkshire’s long-term economic recovery, by delivering on our shared vision of a high-quality and integrated network that links the airport with our local cities and towns across the region.“We are thrilled to welcome a great team into the Transdev family at our new base near the airport and we are all really excited to be entrusted to deliver this high-profile bus network for Yorkshire and meeting all our new customers.”
Councillor Kim Groves, Chair of WYCA’s Transport Committee, said: “This new network will provide a seamless journey experience, not only for those travelling to and from Leeds Bradford Airport but also using the Flyer network for local journeys and to reach Leeds and Bradford city centres.
“For the longer term and as our economy rebuilds, there will be a growing demand for high-quality public transport which can provide seamless connections to and from our regional airport. A lot of careful planning has gone into creating a very attractive network, and I’m confident the new Flyer buses will become a very popular travel choice here in West Yorkshire.”
Charles Johnson, Head of Planning and Development at Leeds Bradford Airport, said: “We welcome the arrival of Flyer buses at our airport. A key part of our modernisation plan for a more sustainable future is the introduction of these high-quality bus links to and from major rail stations, offering a powerful incentive to use public transport for our customers and airport staff.
“As we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic, we have a unique opportunity to help kick-start Yorkshire’s economy, starting with our tourism and construction sectors in the short-term and further ahead, by creating knowledge-based, high-value jobs. This high-quality travel network launches at a critical time for our region, and I’m sure it will be successful and popular.”
