Calderdale and Huddersfield

A warm hello to all First customers from myself, the Managing Director for First in the Calderdale and Huddersfield area.

Punctuality of buses is a key theme and no doubt it is a topic close to the hearts of many of you, as it is for myself.

Some of you may be aware that First has recently signed up to a partnership agreement with Kirklees Council and Metro to facilitate the joint working of all parties to ensure buses arrive and leave on time. On our part we are committed to ensuring that 95% of our buses achieve this target. I know that the team at First are focussed on achieving this target and I will be encouraging and working with the team to make sure this happens.

In partnership with Metro our buses have been fitted with the latest state-of-the-art satellite tracking system which allows us to know exactly where buses are at any time. The system known as 'Your next bus' service has been funded by First and Metro. This will also play a key part in our efforts to achieve the 95% punctuality target, along with other punctuality initiatives.

I am proud to lead the First team across the region and welcome any comments on any of the bus services we offer.

Alan Pilbeam - Managing Director

If you're wondering when your next bus is due whilst you are out and about - Why not text for the information?

The state-of-the-art service is now available throughout West Yorkshire to check the time of all bus services.

All you need to access this service is a mobile phone and the unique reference number of your departing bus stop.

Here's what to do:

Create a text message.

Enter the bus stop eight digit unique reference number (you will find this number on the bus flag and timetable display).

Send the text message to 63876 (this spells out METRO on your keypad).

A text message will be returned to your mobile phone giving you the times the next bus will arrive.

Texts are charged at your standard outbound rate, plus a maximum of 12p for the returned text.