Region’s transport could copy London

Metro, which runs the buses and trains in West Yorkshire, is halfway through a public consultation where it is asking the public what they want from local transport.

As well as dealing with problems like unsafe roads, pollution and overcrowding on trains, the transport authority is considering an integrated ticketing scheme.

An Oyster card-style system was suggested by Coun Cathy Scott (Lab, Dews East) at a recent meeting of Dewsbury’s Town and Valley Committee.

Richard Hadfield, transportation manager for Kirklees Council, said that Metro was keen on the idea.

The scheme could mean commuters had reusable cards that can be topped up with credit, and used to pay for journeys on all public transport in the region.

Mr Hadfield said the technology would offer the possibility of using the cards to pay for other services, or to make council tax payments, for example.

He also said a bid had been submitted to secure funding for electric car charging points in West Yorkshire.

The consultation on West Yorkshire’s Local Transport Plan began in October and will closed on December 17.

It asks the public to fill in a questionnaire, listing the main issues with current transport and the main changes they would like to see. It can be completed online or printed out at www.wyltp.com.

It will inform a new transport plan, MyJourney, which will be rolled out from April next year, to be completed by 2026.

The main focus will be on designing a low carbon transport system, improving links in West Yorkshire to support the economy and improving quality of life.

It is hoped that these improvements will encourage more people to use public transport.

Coun Paul Kane (Lab, Dews East) said: “I think the main reason people are not using public transport is the cost. It’s an absolutely ridiculous cost.”

He said that lower prices could be funded by taxation, but Coun Eric Firth (Lab, Dewsbury East) said concessionary fares were already in danger due to spending cuts. Free bus services are also under threat, and stations in Cleckheaton and Batley could be closed down.

Coun Firth, who sits on the West Yorkshire Integrated Transport Authority, said: “The future of the network is at risk because of cuts. Everything is being looked at because of funding issues.”