Facemasks needed on public transport if using to go shopping

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority is working with operators to ensure as much capacity is available on public transport as possible.

However, the need to maintain social distancing will significantly limit the number of people who can travel on each service.

People are being asked to consider whether their journey is necessary and if they could cycle or walk as an alternative.

Those who must travel on public transport will need to wear a face covering, are being asked to pay by contactless where possible and advised to leave more time for their journey.

Cllr Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Lead, said: “Since the beginning of the pandemic the Combined Authority has been spending over £6 million per month ensuring bus services are available for those who really need them and we continue to work with operators through the West Yorkshire Bus Alliance to maximise the capacity available.

“However, we have made clear to the Government transport authorities need long-term funding to meet the challenges we now face to avoid forcing people into their cars leading to congestion and poorer air quality.”

Cllr Kim Groves, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee, said: “We know that more people will be returning to shops and businesses next week and we are asking them to think carefully about their journey and consider cycling or walking where possible. While we expect around 75% of normal bus and rail services to be running, social distancing means the capacity will only be 20% of normal and we need to make sure that is available for those who really need it.

“It is essential that the reduced capacity on public transport does not lead to the marginalisation of those who depend on it and we need the Government to work with us to ensure those services are available.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. These are challenging times but the team at the Yorkshire Evening Post need your support more than ever in the weeks ahead.

While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you. In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you - wherever possible and providing it is safe for you to do so - to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Inevitably falling advertising revenues will start to have an impact on local newspapers and the way we continue to work during this period of uncertainty. So the support of our readers has never been more important as we try to make sure that we keep you connected with the city you live in during this time. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. We need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Our team of trusted reporters are working incredibly hard behind the scenes- from kitchen tables and spare bedrooms - to look at how we can do this and your continued support to the YEP will help to protect its viability in the days and weeks ahead.

For more details on our subscription offers please visit www.localsubsplus.co.uk/YEP, email [email protected] or call us on 0330 4033004

Thank you

Laura Collins

Editor