Axed First bus service from Leeds Dock to return as Yorkshire Buses takes over number 29 route

The number 29, which ran between Woodhouse and Leeds Dock, was pulled by the operator First as part of a major timetable shake-up.

First claimed the service was not used enough, despite the new academic year having only just begun when the news was announced.

Now, fledgling operator Yorkshire Buses has come forward to say it will take on the route, starting from Monday November 7.

The service will run every 30 minutes between 8.30am and 5.30pm on weekdays, with buses switching to every hour in the early mornings, evenings and weekends.

Yorkshire Buses director Steve Carr said: “We’re really looking forward to reintroducing the 29, and working with various partners to deliver a reliable service for the people of Leeds Dock. Come jump aboard, and help make this a success. Our buses will be bright yellow, so you can’t miss us.”

The development will also be good news for staff working at Leeds General Infirmary (LGI), many of whom used the 29 to get to work.

The operator says single, daily, weekly and monthly tickets will all be available and that Metro products and elderly citizens passes will be accepted.

Ed Carlisle, a Green Party councillor for the Hunslet and Riverside ward, said: “This is good news for our community, and our planet. Massive thanks and credit to Yorkshire Buses, for pulling out all the stops to make it happen. Please spread the word, so as many people use the service as possible, and safeguard it for the future.”

His fellow ward councillor, Labour’s Paul Wray, also welcomed the news. Coun Wray said the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA), which oversees transport in the region, had been unable to persuade larger operators to take on the route without a public subsidy.

He tweeted: “Full credit to Yorkshire Buses for taking on the risk of a non-subsidised bus route as a small independent firm without the normal assistance and support of WYCA. I hope they can create a sustainable service in a way the major providers say they couldn’t.”