Bus station 'fully operational' from mid-May

Charles Heslett
BBC News, Yorkshire@CharlesHeslett
Reporting fromBradford
BBC A sign reading Bradford Interchange with metal fencing and mechanical vehicles on the opposite side of the road.BBC
Passengers faced more than a year of disruption after a piece of concrete fell from a roof in an underground car park

All Bradford Interchange bus services will return to the station from mid-May, according to its operator.

The station reopened in January, exactly a year after it was shut due to safety concerns, with 47 services returning at the time.

A further 11 services remained on street stops, but these will be back at the Bridge Street depot on Sunday 18 May, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) has confirmed.

It means buses to destinations including Huddersfield, Halifax, Thornton, Buttershaw and Bingley will be restored more than 15 months after being moved.

People getting off a bus near to a bus stop.
Many services were moved to stops elsewhere in Bradford city centre, including some in Nelson Street

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin, who heads the WYCA, said: "It's great news for passengers in Bradford that the Interchange will soon welcome back its remaining bus services.

"Combined with the wider improvements at the station, a fully operational Bradford Interchange helps us to continue building a better-connected region that works for all."

The Interchange was closed at the start of January 2024 after a chunk of concrete fell from the roof of an underground car park.

It was feared at one point the bus station would have to close permanently.

Bradford Council leader Susan Hinchcliffe also publicly criticised the length of time the repairs were taking ahead of the City of Culture year.

A sloping walkway with people walking up and down it.
The entrance to the railway station, which remained open throughout the remedial works

Coach services are now set to return to their original base in Nelson Street, at bus shelter N2, but a date has not been confirmed.

Hinchcliffe said: "Following the reopening in January, it's great to have all the services now coming under one roof.

"A new public plaza and improvements to the lower concourse as well as the rail station access ramp were all completed in March and are looking great.

"Taxis are easily located on Bridge Street, just outside the Interchange, giving visitors a ready welcome to our city."

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