First proposes 'New Bus for Leeds' inspired by London model as trolleybus alternative

FirstGroup has proposed introducing a 'New Bus for Leeds' modelled on London's new double-deckers as a lower-cost alternative improvement to the planned trolleybus scheme.

First has prepared a submission to the forthcoming public inquiry that it has shared with the regional paper Yorkshire Post. First said it could introduce up to 200 of the new buses, which would have multi-door entry and exit points designed to cut waiting times at bus stops.

The vehicles would also have Oyster card-style ticketing systems to encourage cashless payments by passengers, again with the intention of reducing bus stop waiting times. First also is proposing road infrastructure improvements and signal priority measures, it told the paper, a spokesperson confirmed to Transportxtra.

First is saying that the scheme would offer “huge savings” compared to the trolleybus scheme promoted by Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire passenger transport authority Metro.

Dave Alexander, regional managing director for the firm in the north of England, told the paper: “A common objective between First, the council and Metro is for Leeds to have a radical improvement in public transport that enhances its image and boosts its status. We are concerned that the trolleybus scheme will not achieve this."