Yorkshire Buses, which served communities in Batley, Dewsbury, Wakefield and Ossett, has ceased operations

A bus operator which served communities in Batley, Dewsbury, Wakefield and Ossett has ceased operations.

Yorkshire Buses, based in Rothwell, announced on social media that it would stop its operations and services from 8pm last night (Tuesday).

"After much thought and consideration, the continued rise in costs which includes fuel and many other significant increases has made it no longer sustainable for us to continue operating. This has not been an easy decision, and it is one we have fought hard to avoid however with further cost increases forecast on the horizon the decision has had to be made sooner rather than later." CREDIT: YORKSHIRE BUSES

placeholder image — "After much thought and consideration, the continued rise in costs which includes fuel and many other significant increases has made it no longer sustainable for us to continue operating. This has not been an easy decision, and it is one we have fought hard to avoid however with further cost increases forecast on the horizon the decision has had to be made sooner rather than later." CREDIT: YORKSHIRE BUSES

The company’s services and routes included the 212 between Wakefield and Dewsbury via Batley and Dewsbury and District Hospital, as well as the 116 between Ossett and Leeds via the White Rose Centre.

A statement from Yorkshire Buses on its social media pages said:

“It is with a truly heavy heart that we share this news. After much thought and consideration, the continued rise in costs which includes fuel and many other significant increases has made it no longer sustainable for us to continue operating.

“This has not been an easy decision, and it is one we have fought hard to avoid, however with further cost increases forecast on the horizon, the decision has had to be made sooner rather than later.”

It continued: “From the very beginning, Yorkshire Buses has been about more than just transport. It has been about community, connection, and the people we have had the privilege to serve every single day.

“We want to take this moment to sincerely thank each and every one of you, our passengers, nurses, supporters, staff, and partners and the rest for your loyalty, kindness, and support over the years. Your encouragement has meant more to us than words can express.

“To our incredible team, past and present, thank you for your dedication and hard work. You are the heart of everything we have done.

“While this chapter is coming to a close, we will always be grateful for the journey we have shared together.”

Yorkshire Buses was formed in 2020 and had routes across West, South and North Yorkshire. It also provided “vital local bus services that link the city’s main hospitals, universities, and schools”.

Schools covered included Woodkirk Academy and Bruntcliffe Academy, while other routes included St James’s Hospital in Leeds.

West Yorkshire Metro say they are “working hard to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum” and that they are seeking “alternative operators” to cover the affected services.

For more information on routes and services, visit wymetro.com