KEIGHLEY Bus Company has “Yorkshire’s friendliest drivers”, according to a report.

And the firm has a 93 per cent satisfaction rating, says the latest report from independent watchdog Transport Focus.

Transdev – which runs Keighley Bus Company – says that whilst many of its customers on key routes have access to a car, they choose to use buses instead.

But it acknowledges there is more to be done and it has welcomed a new partnership aimed at bettering services across the region.

The firm says plans put forward by West Yorkshire mayor Tracy Brabin for a so-called enhanced partnership with operators present a “positive opportunity”.

As part of the initiative, West Yorkshire Combined Authority would strive for a more flexible bus network with better accessibility, increased services plus timetables closely aligned to customers’ needs.

Transdev’s chief executive officer, Alex Hornby, applauded the move and said he was proud of what the company had already achieved.

He added: “The way we do business has been hailed as best practice in the Government’s National Bus Strategy – and our team’s efforts have been rewarded with ten industry awards in the past five years.

“All our frontline buses in West Yorkshire feature Wi-Fi and USB charging and meet or exceed clean air zone targets.

“Buses run until midnight across the network and usually until 3am on certain routes. Meanwhile, we have fully rolled-out contactless payments and tap and cap ticketing.

“However, we know there is lots more to do. If the bus is to be at the heart of our post-pandemic recovery, there’s no time to lose in carrying on making our buses as amazing as they can be.

“We’ve shown we know how to grow our bus network and attract new customers – and we’re investing now to deliver real improvements where they’re needed most.

“Following our acquisition of Yorkshire Tiger and its services in and around Huddersfield and Halifax, we’re planning to replace a fifth of its fleet with more high-spec, low-emission buses in our first three months.

“We see an enhanced partnership as a positive opportunity to deliver the improvements everyone wants, whilst achieving best value for taxpayers. We look forward to working with the mayor and the combined authority to make it happen.”