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The Combined Authority is inviting views on accessibility requirements for West Yorkshire's bus services.

The consultation is open until midnight on Monday 1 May.

> Take part in the online consultation - WYCA website (new tab)

You can:

• email yourtravelyoursay@westyorks-ca.gov.uk to request the survey information.
• send completed surveys by post to FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM (WYCA). 
• call MetroLine contact centre on 0113 245 7676 to request the information. 

Improving accessibility to the bus network

Accessing the bus network is an issue for many people and is of particular importance for bus users with disabilities or mobility difficulties.

Ensuring accessibility for all raises a number of challenges, which is why the Combined Authority has now developed a specific Accessibility Policy to add to its draft Bus Strategy. These proposals go above and beyond proposals already included in the existing draft.

The policy will cover wider ranging demands and make a commitment for WYCA and the bus operators to be more inclusive in the design and development of the bus system.

West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Chair Cllr Keith Wakefield said: "Ensuring everyone has access to an integrated transport network is key to our aims so I would encourage everyone, whatever their accessibility needs, to have their say and help us develop the best bus system in Europe.

"I hope we can achieve the same excellent level of response that we had to last year’s consultation, to ensure we are developing transport services and infrastructure for all."

Your Travel Your Say

Last autumn, the Combined Authority and bus operators undertook a three-month ‘Your Travel Your Say’ consultation in partnership with transport operators to find out views on local bus services and the county’s transport system. The responses received are being used to develop 20-year Bus and Transport Strategies.

Over 5,000 individuals, groups and businesses took part in the ‘Your Travel Your Say' consultations in person, by email and online. Analysis of the extensive feedback shows that while people largely supported the proposals, the policies on accessibility need strengthening.

What happens next

Following this Accessibility Policy consultation, updated versions of the Bus Strategy and the Transport Strategy will be presented for approval to the WYCA Transport Committee and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority later this year.