(Image: Supplied)
A BUS operator has been criticised by campaigners after being awarded a major contract under a new transport scheme.
First Bus has been named the first franchisee in West Yorkshire under the region’s new bus franchising model, but Better Buses West Yorkshire called the company "one of Britain's worst bus operators."
Gareth Forest, campaign chair of the campaign group, said: "First came 62nd out of 72 bus companies in the country this year – one of Britain's worst bus operators.
"Is this all that we deserve as passengers?
"No, we deserve better."
The group pointed to the Transport Focus 'Your Bus Survey', which ranked First Bus 62nd out of 72 UK bus companies, as evidence that the company falls short of public expectations.
The campaign group, which began in 2019, successfully pushed for the return of bus services to public control, a move announced in 2024 by Mayor Tracy Brabin.
West Yorkshire's franchising model is similar to the system in Greater Manchester.