'Widespread relief' as cancelled Yorkshire Buses routes in Leeds offered temporary lifeline
There is “widespread relief” across Leeds after a number of cancelled bus routes were offered a temporary lifeline.
Commuters were left in shock on Tuesday (March 31) after the shock announcement that Yorkshire Buses would cease trading with immediate effect from 8pm the same day.
The Wakefield-based company, which was founded in 2020, said it was with “a truly heavy heart” they shared the news after increasing costs of fuel.
Now speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Councillor Paul Wray, representing Hunslet and Riverside, confirmed that four of the cancelled routes, including the key St James’s Hospital service, are set to temporarily be taken over by other operators.
“I think for a lot of residents, especially those who use the route up to St James’s, they will be feeling a little let anxious about how the they are going to get there, and there will be widespread relief,” Coun Wray said.
“There has been a lot of genuine concern [since the announcement] and a feeling of being let down by the fact there isn’t other more regular transport from this part of the city to such a key public facility.”
From Tuesday (April 7), Service 30 Horsforth - Pudsey; Service 61 St James’s Hospital - Hunslet; Service 116 Leeds - Ossett - Wakefield; and Service 212 Wakefield - Batley - Dewsbury will be taken over by other providers.
The YEP understands that all of these are short-term emergency contracts until the next official service change date in July 2026, at which point they will be retendered as part of the normal annual process.
No new service has been announced for the 118 evening only service running between Wakefield and White Rose Shopping Centre at this stage. The daytime service operated by Arriva will continue to run as scheduled and is unaffected.
“There’s no bitterness to the bus company in question as obviously costs have affected them but there was a feeling of frustration from a lot of people that the announcement was quite all of a sudden,” Coun Wray added.
“We didn’t find out until the morning that it was happening but obviously being such a small provider, the impact of the energy price rises was just the final nail in their coffin.”
News of Yorkshire Buses withdrawal comes as bus operators across the country have been hit by the recent fuel-cost rises linked to the war in the Middle East, while businesses this month are facing a rise in national minimum wage, statutory sick pay and other employment costs.
Most of Yorkshire Buses’ routes were contained within the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, which is due to roll out bus franchising across the region between May 2027 and the end of 2028.
In a lengthy statement posted to Facebook on Tuesday, the operator offered its thanks to both its passengers and staff.
“It is with a truly heavy heart that we share this news,” the operator said. “After much thought and consideration, the continued rise in costs which includes fuel and many other significant increases has made it no longer sustainable for us to continue operating. This has not been an easy decision, and it is one we have fought hard to avoid however with further cost increases forecast on the horizon the decision has had to be made sooner rather than later.
“From the very beginning, Yorkshire Buses has been about more than just transport. It has been about community, connection, and the people we have had the privilege to serve every single day.
“We want to take this moment to sincerely thank each and every one of you, our passengers, nurses, supporters, staff, and partners and the rest for your loyalty, kindness, and support over the years. Your encouragement has meant more to us than words can express. To our incredible team, past and present, thank you for your dedication and hard work. You are the heart of everything we have done.
“While this chapter is coming to a close, we will always be grateful for the journey we have shared together. Thank you for being part of our story.”
The following services will run under a temporary contract until July.
- Service 30 – Horsforth - Pudsey (off peak service) – Lethers Travel
- Service 61 – St James Hospital - Hunslet (South Leeds Stadium) – Connexions Buses
- Service 116 – Leeds – Ossett - Wakefield – First Leeds
- Service 212 – Wakefield - Batley – Dewsbury – Go Ahead West Yorkshire