KEIGHLEY Bus Company says it's "encouraged" by the number of people returning to its services post-lockdown.

The firm reports that on its busiest routes, passenger figures have reached almost 80 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.

And the operator has outlined more about its plans for further boosting provision.

Extra buses have already been introduced this month, with twice as many journeys on the most popular routes.

It's hoped the move – which follows a review of changing travel patterns by Keighley Bus Company's parent firm, Transdev, and West Yorkshire transport authority Metro – will generate around 10,000 more customer journeys a week.

Also, the initiative could provide a template for future partnership working in West Yorkshire to deliver wider improvements from the £830 million awarded to the region as part of the Government’s Bus Service Improvement Programme.

Alan Isherwood, general manager of Keighley Bus Company, said: "This is our first positive network review in West Yorkshire since pandemic travel restrictions were lifted.

"We’ve analysed travel patterns in and around the town as well as emerging trends post-lockdown – now we’re set to bounce back with a better service for Keighley.

"We want to build on the multi-million pound investment by Transdev in new, Euro VI ultra-low-emission buses for our town. We’ve put in considerable effort alongside our partners at Metro to build a network that’s fit for the future.

"These improvements show our commitment to Keighley’s recovery – and for us, this is just the beginning. We want to work hand in hand with the town’s business community and do everything we can to support businesses and the local economy.

"Several areas have seen increased timetables and, in some cases, double the number of buses on selected routes."

Keighley Bus Company's chief executive officer, Alex Hornby, said the firm was "proud" to be part of a partnership working to improve services.

He added: "West Yorkshire's bus operators are working together with the mayor to deliver positive improvements for customers.

"Our partnership with Metro is also delivering more buses on the network."

Changes to the timetables include the doubling of Monday-Saturday services on route K1 to and from Laycock, route K5 to and from Thwaites Brow and route K6 to and from Fell Lane.

Full details of all the changes can be found at transdevbus.co.uk/keighley, and new printed timetables are available on buses and from the Keighley bus station travel centre.