First West Yorkshire have called the partnership a ‘great example of partnership-working between operators to put the customer at the heart of the bus network.’
Transdev, operators of the 36 service in Leeds, and First Leeds have entered into a partnership to offer a ‘£1 add-on’ ticket for Leeds destinations for customers travelling into the city from Ripon and Harrogate.
For the first time such an arrangement has been created in West Yorkshire, the bus operators have joined forces so that passengers of the 36 service – which serves Ripon, Harrogate and Leeds – can buy a single ticket that allows further travel into the city centre when arriving in Leeds.
The ticket will offer travel to destinations served by frequent First buses, such as the main city hospitals and universities, Leeds FC stadium Elland Road, and the White Rose shopping centre.
Transdev CEO, Alex Hornby, said: “We’re delighted to be working with First Bus on this voluntary partnership initiative. We’ve already invested £3.3 million in top-spec buses on the 36 this year, but we’re committed to go even further for our customers.
“Independent research showed that some of our customers on the route travel further afield beyond Leeds city centre, and this lets them plan their onward journey from the outset very easily, and at an attractive price.
“Offering this ticket is in the name of making bus travel simple and more convenient for our customers which obviously remains one of our top priorities.”
Paul Turner, Head of Commercial for First West Yorkshire said: “The £1 add-on ticket gives customers even better access to Leeds as well as key destinations including St James’ Hospital and the White Rose Centre.
