A ground-breaking bus partnership scheme is celebrating 20 years of providing high quality, frequent and reliable services for customers in Leeds.

Representatives of First Bus, Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority today celebrated the occasion outside the Park & Ride site on King Lane – a key feature of the Guided Busway Scheme. The partners celebrated by cutting an anniversary cake in front of one of the current hybrid buses in a distinctive, fresh ‘green’ new livery.

The Scott Hall Road / King Lane scheme was one of the first bus partnership schemes in the UK spread over five sections from 1995. The scheme was introduced by Leeds City Council (who provided the road improvements to boost reliability and kerbs for access), Yorkshire Rider (later First Bus) who introduced high quality buses and Metro who delivered improved information and bus stop waiting areas.

The introduction of low floor buses with improved bus stop areas improved access for customers and has helped generate over 30 million customer journeys since launch in 1995. As customer numbers have grown First Bus has introduced double deck buses to meet demand and more recently has introduced 22 diesel-electric hybrid buses in 2011 producing 35% lower emissions and improved customer comfort with leather seats. Today the 7 series of bus services operate on the guideway carrying over 45 thousand customer journeys a week between Leeds and Alwoodley/Shadwell.

To celebrate the occasion First Bus is inviting the public of Leeds to name the remaining 11 hybrid buses of the total 22 after iconic Leeds organisations and people. To nominate people simply need to provide their suggestion via Twitter to @FirstWestYorks #nameabus.

West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee Chairman, Cllr Keith Wakefield said: “Around 180 million journeys in West Yorkshire are made annually by bus so it’s good to be here today celebrating the 20th anniversary of this innovative scheme which, along with the other guided bus-ways in east Leeds and Bradford, has delivered enhanced services for passengers.

“As well as marking past achievements, the Combined Authority is currently embarking on the development of a Bus Strategy that shapes the county’s network and services for the future.

“Good integrated transport underpins our economy and growth. Buses are vital to connecting people with opportunities in education, training, and jobs as well as local services and leisure activities. We need a bus network that people can be sure of, with quick, punctual and reliable services that are simple and easy to use, accessible for everyone, and provide safe and comfortable travel to provide those links. 

“At the moment we are talking to a range of interested partners and groups, including the bus operators, to establish an initial set of principles and a vision. Once that is established, we will be carrying out widespread public consultation which will be an opportunity for people to shape the final 10 to 15-year Strategy.” 

Paul Turner, Head of Commercial for First West Yorkshire, said: “We’re proud to celebrate 20 years of successful partnership with Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority serving our customers. The continuing growth of the ‘Scott Hall’ services is testament to the dedication of all our team that have served customers over these 2 decades. We look forward to welcoming more customers who can enjoy the reliable and high quality services that this bus priority scheme provides supporting the local economy and delivering low-carbon, great value travel options.

Leeds City Council executive member for regeneration, transport and planning Councillor Richard Lewis said: “It is very pleasing to be celebrating the 20th anniversary of this guided bus scheme in Leeds which helps local people commute every day. We are very keen to continue working with bus operators to develop new ideas and innovations to offer the best possible bus service for the city as part of our future vision for an integrated transport network which is effective, reliable and environmentally-friendly.”