COUNCILS along the X84 bus route are joining forces to campaign for urgent improvements to the service linking Ilkley, Otley, Pool-in-Wharfedale, Bramhope, Adel and Leeds city centre.
The 10-mile route along the A660 has been labelled the “corridor of uncertainty” by local representatives, who say passengers often have no idea when – or even if – a bus will arrive.
They warn unreliable services are leading to longer working days, missed medical appointments and lessons, and difficulties getting home safely after evenings out.
The campaign is being led by Otley Town Council, Ilkley Town Council, Bramhope & Carlton Parish Council, Pool-in-Wharfedale Parish Council and Burley-in-Wharfedale Parish Council.
The authorities are calling for the return of a 15-minute X84 service, improved links to Pool-in-Wharfedale and better connections with other transport services, including Menston railway station.
The campaign follows research carried out in Otley and Bramhope which found widespread frustration with local bus services. Councillors say poor reliability disproportionately affects young people, older residents, disabled people and those without access to a car.
Cllr Ryk Downes who represents Otley and Yeadon said: “Residents should not have to wait years for basic improvements, and as buses come back under public control WYCA should make the X84 service a high priority.”
Cllr Paul Carter, who chairs Otley Town Council Trade & Tourism Committee, said: “Improving frequency and reliability would encourage more people to use bus services, reduce pressure on parking, and support local economies along the route. It’s getting so bad I’ve heard one resident describe it as the 'corridor of uncertainty'.”
Cllr Jane Gibson, Deputy Mayor of Ilkley, said: “The issue is being exacerbated as new housing developments along the route add further pressure to roads, parking, public transport and other services."
Cllr Ian Robinson, of Bramhope & Carlton Council said: “Residents need punctuality and a timetable they can trust.”
Cllr Hazel Lee, of Pool-in-Wharfedale Parish Council said: “Pool needs a direct link to Leeds which could be done by increasing the frequency of the X84.”
Simon Budd, of Burley Parish Council added: “A reliable indication of whether a service has been cancelled or is running on time would be a good start.”
The councils argue poor public transport contributes to social exclusion and plan to make representations to West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin and bus operators calling for urgent action.
The West Yorkshire Combined Authority is currently progressing plans to bring buses back under public control through franchising and the proposed Weaver Network.
Under the new system, which is due to be rolled out next year, WYCA will decide routes, timetables, fares and service standards, while private operators will run services under contract.
A spokesperson for the authority said: “We recognise that reliable and punctual bus services are of vital importance to communities along this route and across our region.
“That is why the Combined Authority is bringing buses under local control – giving us the power to make decisions about the network that are in the best interests of passengers, not the shareholders of private companies.
“We will continue to engage with elected members and the public about their concerns as we progress our plans for a franchised network.”
A spokesperson for First Bus said: "The current timetable is designed to deliver the most reliable and punctual service possible whilst also reflecting the constraints of the road network as well as the level of congestion with other vehicles and road users.
"We are always keen to work with local partners to identify opportunities to improve bus services, journey times and customer satisfaction to help make it simpler and easier for more customers to travel by bus.”
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