First Bus Leeds: 24-hour bus service between Leeds and Bradford officially launches in West Yorkshire

The 72 service operating between Bradford and Leeds started providing trips all day and night this week (Sunday, September 1). This is being achieved with journeys added in the late evening and early hours, which will operate seven days a week.

Coun Susan Hinchcliffe, chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority's transport committee and leader of Bradford Council, dropped by last night to see a newly branded bus that will be one of the fleet used on the route and to help start a campaign to raise awareness.

The 24-hour service builds on success First Bus has seen on this travel corridor, where there has been a combined frequency of 7 to 8 minutes together with the express X6 service since extra buses were introduced in May.

Coun Hinchcliffe said: “A 24-hour bus service between Bradford and Leeds will provide a real boost to both cities, increasing connectivity and supporting our economy.

"It means that shift workers, those working in the nighttime economy and others who need a safe way home at night will benefit from this investment.

"More frequent bus services between our cities will help us to build a better-connected West Yorkshire."

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First Bus believes this 24-hour service will benefit all sectors of the local economy and society, helping to support the nighttime economy, shift working and leisure and hospitality markets.

The move is also be in line with commitments from Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin to increase safety for women and girls.

A number of re-timings and frequency increases have been introduced for services across West Yorkshire this week.