FOCUS ON YORKSHIRE
The West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Leeds City Council are working in close alliance with First to double passenger numbers by 2030, but as DAVID JENKINS reports, at least one leading local politician still aspires to have a subsidised system like London’s and wants more government money

The new Leeds City livery, with dark blue route branding, on First West Yorkshire 35523 (SK68 TTE), a Wright StreetDeck. STEPHEN WHITELEY

First has begun applying the new Leeds livery to mid-life vehicles, including 39204 (BJ60 BZD), a Wright Eclipse Gemini 2-bodied Volvo B5LH hybrid. DANIEL STAZICKER
In FirstGroup’s annual report for 2018, the company was clear: ‘We are targeting our investment plans… by focusing on local markets where, by working closely in partnership with local authorities, we can deliver compelling and sustainable transport solutions’.