Frequent bus services, operated primarily by Arriva and First, run throughout Leeds. A route map can be picked up from any Metro Travel Centre or from Leeds City Bus Station. First is the main bus provider, operating 121 services throughout Leeds. Buses run every day throughout the day, but with reduced services on Sundays and Bank Holidays. Most main routes will have buses arriving every ten minutes or so throughout the business day. Many buses get very busy during rush hours, especially on popular routes.
A popular recent addition to the public transport network in Leeds is the freecitybus. Running every few minutes from 6.30am to 7.30pm Mondays to Saturdays, Metro's freecitybus links Leeds' rail and bus stations, business and shopping districts, the General Infirmary, Universities and Park Lane College. All journeys on the brand new freecitybus minibuses are free. Each vehicle is fully accessible and can carry one wheelchair at any time. Operating on a trial basis initially, the latest of Metro's MetroConnect bus services has been set up after consultation with the Leeds Initiative and city centre employers.
Leeds City Bus Station is situated near Kirkgate Market, in the heart of the city centre. The bus interchange was rebuilt in 1996, and is now used by almost 100 buses an hour. Other useful bus stops in Leeds include Boar Lane and Infirmary Street. The bus station is a convenient starting point for tourists and visitors travelling around the city. Buses travel to many other towns and areas both local, regional and country-wide. The National Express coach terminal (for long distance travel) is adjacent to the bus station.
For the safety and comfort of users, smoking is not permitted anywhere on buses or at bus stations. Hot take-away food and drink in cans or cartons may not be consumed on buses. It is illegal to consume alcohol on any bus.
A FirstDay pass (or 'Dayrider', as they are often known) costs £3.30, or £2.30 after 9:30am. Weekly passes are also available for £13. Both of these are available from the bus driver. FirstMonth (£45.00), First3Month (£132) and FirstYear (£485) are available from the Metro Travel Centre at Leeds City Bus Station, or the First Travel Shop on New Market Street, and require a passport size photograph.
The Elderly and Disabled Persons pass can also be obtained from Post Offices, the Metro Travel Centre or the First Travel Shop. Anyone aged 60 or over who lives in West Yorkshire can travel on most Metro trains and buses for just 35p off peak. This applies Monday to Friday after 9.30am, and all day Saturday, Sunday and public holidays - at other times normal adult fares apply.
Children under five travel for free when accompanied by a fare-paying passenger. Five to 18 year olds in full-time education travel for half the adult fare, but children aged 11 and above must have a Half Fare pass issued by Metro (again, purchased from the First Travel Shop or The Metro Travel Centre). If a child is under 11 years of age but looks older, they may also need to carry a Half Fare pass.