An independent bus operator has used its entire fleet of vehicles in a protest over the region’s bus franchising process, which it says favours larger companies.
All 20 SquarePeg buses travelled in convoy to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) headquarters in Wellington Street, Leeds, at 10:00 BST on Thursday.
The company runs several routes that connect Leeds with Horsforth, Seacroft, Pudsey, Rodley, Farsley, Gomersal, and the White Rose Centre.
WYCA is working to set up the Weaver Network – the new publicly controlled transport network that will be rolled out across the region from next year – but said it had been clear that smaller operators “play an important role”.
A spokesperson said: “The procurement process for the initial bus franchising contracts is ongoing and no contract award decisions have yet been made.
“We will share detailed feedback with bidders at contract award stage and will continue to engage with operators to shape the procurement process for upcoming contract rounds and invite them to submit their feedback.”
