Warnings bus services in West Yorkshire could be cancelled without further Government cash

Financial support for bus operators, known as bus recovery funding, has been available during the past few months, as services suffered hits to passenger numbers, leading to a loss of revenue for operators.

However, the extra cash is set to run out in the Spring, and Mayor Tracy Brabin has said many operators have warned they may have to make cuts to services if more money is not made available.

As the Omicron variant continues to spread, experts say it is unlikely bus passenger numbers in the region – recently recorded at three quarters of their expected levels – will fully recover any time soon.

The Department for Transport has said it is discussing the issue with bus operators to see what help is needed, but stopped short of committing to extra funding beyond March.

A letter from Mayor Brabin, addressed to government transport minister Baroness Vere, claimed the uncertainties were causing problems for the future of bus services in the region.

It read: “Buses are the most used form of public transport in West Yorkshire and, whilst we are embarking on plans for mass transit, this will remain the case for many years to come.

“At the time of writing, we have just moved into the Government’s Plan B Covid response which carries a real risk that fewer people will make bus journeys setting back the steady recovery we have seen since the summer.