Transdev launched its second Cityzap commuter and shoppers’ express route on 5 November, offering an hourly service between Leeds and Manchester with journey times ranging from 75 to 100min.
Its Burnley Bus Company subsidiary is operating the route with newly refurbished Wright-bodied Volvo B7RLE single-deckers equipped with coach-style seats trimmed in leather, USB power sockets at every seat and free WiFi.
Besides being used to test demand for the service, single-deckers are also considered more practical for a route over exposed sections of the M62. The first Cityzap, linking Leeds and York, uses Wright-bodied Volvo double-deckers.
It makes intermediate stops near Junction 24 on the M62 around Huddersfield and in Chadderton, near Oldham and at Portland Street, Manchester and Leeds Corn Exchange. Termini are the central bus station in Leeds and Chorlton Street, Manchester.
Transdev is pitching fares at less than a third of anytime returns on rail services between the two cities, which often are overcrowded. It believes this will help attract car commuters prepared to try a public transport alternative.
It also is offering discount fares for students, university staff and NHS workers, and free concessi…
