EXPENSIVE fares and poor reliability on buses and trains are the most urgent issues for passengers, according to an official study.

Almost two-thirds (62%) of people cited difficulties travelling on buses and trains as priority issues, a survey carried out by Metro found.

The survey of 1,400 people is a response to a draft of the upcoming third Local Transport Plan (LTP), a Metro masterplan for transport in West Yorkshire over the next 15 years.

Two-fifths of passengers said high fares, poor reliability and the impact of changes to services on buses were a principal issue.

Overcrowding, high fares and poor reliability on trains were considered to be the most important issue according to 22% of those surveyed.

Network issues, such as congestion and poor road conditions, were 17% of passengers’ priority while 13% were particularly concerned about transport information and ticketing.

Improvements for cyclists and pedestrians were the key issue for 8% of those surveyed.

The LTP will be discussed by Metro and Kirklees transport chiefs at Dewsbury Town Hall, on April 6.

The plan sets out a scheme including better travel information, ‘smart cards’ which can be used on all public transport, low carbon methods of transport and a new approach to buses.

Two-thirds of those surveyed agreed with the LTP’s objectives.