West Yorkshire Combined Authority has taken to decision to retender bus services between Dewsbury to Wakefield after bus operator Arriva took the decision to withdraw after a round of internal cuts.
Yorkshire Buses will now run the service, which connects Wakefield, Kirkhamgate, Batley, Dewsbury and District Hospital, and Dewsbury.
A revised timetable will be introduced from Sunday 5 January, with the aim of providing better coordination with the 213 service between Dewsbury, the hospital, and Batley.
One journey in each direction will operate via Woodkirk Academy during school times, and late afternoon journeys will also serve Kirkhamgate.
West Yorkshire Combined Authority will also fund new evening services on the route – with four additional journeys in each direction.
An enhanced Sunday service, which will operate every hour, will also be introduced using the funding.
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: “I am delighted we have been able to step in and work with Yorkshire Buses to save a service that is so important to so many people.
“While we are working at pace to bring buses back under public control, this shows we are committed to keeping West Yorkshire connected in the here and now.”
Projects advancing public transport will be celebrated at the fourth annual CiTTi Awards on 26 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector – and to book your table!
