‘Free’ city centre bus to charge 50p

THE FREE shuttle bus that trundles around Leeds city centre could be scrapped and replaced by a First-operated service charging 50p.

The 50p fare trial was been given the green light by Metro at a meeting on Friday, after the council withdrew its funding last month.

Passengers showing valid Day or Season tickets from First or any other West Yorkshire bus operators will travel free and MetroCards and MetroDay tickets will be valid.

Concessions such as the English National Concessionary Pass for people aged over 60, and Metro DayRovers will also be valid after 9.30am.

LeedsCityBus will follow the same route as the FreeCityBus, connecting Leeds' rail and bus stations, business and shopping districts, the General Infirmary, universities and Park Lane College.

The buses and bus stops will be updated to reflect the First operation and there will be on-bus information explaining the fares.

Metro staff will be out handing out flyers to FreeCityBus users explaining the LeedsCityBus trial which will start from Friday 1 April.

The service started in 2006t and has been used by more than 7.5 million people.

A Metro spokesman said they had received comments from the public saying they would rather pay for the bus than lose it.