Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) and Harrogate Chamber joined forces to celebrate the 25,000 passenger to use the popular route between Harrogate and Bradford.
 
The service, operated by Centrebus, is funded by both Leeds Bradford Airport and Metro.  It offers a vital link between Harrogate and Bradford and goes via Leeds Bradford Airport. 
 
Operating seven days a week, the service is hourly* from Harrogate to LBA and is designed to serve the popular commuter belt with regular stops along the way, including Yeadon, Guiseley and Shipley.
 
Brian Dunsby, Chief Executive of the Harrogate Chamber of Commerce, said “Having lobbied hard for improvements to the previous 767 service, we welcome the success of the new, more frequent, 737 service from three points of view. 
 
Firstly, Harrogate depends on visitors to its many national and international conferences, trade exhibitions and agricultural shows which together attract over 650,000 delegates for around 750 events each year.  They come from all over the UK, from Europe and some from around the world - North America, Middle East, Africa, India and Australasia.   Those who fly in expect a reliable direct service from the Airport to Harrogate as they now find in almost all major airports.
 
Secondly Harrogate's own business managers and residents are travelling more and more around Europe and also long-haul from major hubs like Amsterdam, Brussels and Paris, making a reliable and frequent bus service to the airport very attractive.
 
Thirdly the new additional benefit of this 737 service is the hourly direct connection between Bradford and Harrogate, calling at all stops along the route.  This will be beneficial in both directions for commuters, shoppers and students, with so many opportunities now available in Harrogate schools, colleges, hotels, restaurants and shops."
 
Brian concluded, "We welcome the improved service, we congratulate Centrebus in finding a way to link it to their existing services and for accepting the commercial risk, and we thank the Airport Management, North Yorkshire County Council and WYPTE for subsidising the core costs of the service".   
 
Carl Lapworth, LBA’s Operations Director, said “We are pleased this service is doing so well. Promoting both staff and passengers to use public transport is a key part of our Airport Surface Access Strategy and Green Travel Plan.”
 
Dave Brookes, the Regional Manager of Centrebus said "We are delighted the service has got off to such a good start, popular with both existing customers and with local people who have decided to use this convenient and regular service for the first time."

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