WYPTA is the body to which the WYPTE is accountable. It is a joint authority with responsibility for the co-ordination of West Yorkshire’s public transport services. It is made up of 22 Councillors nominated by the five district councils of Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield and determines public transport policy within West Yorkshire.
The Authority is responsible for the co-ordination of West Yorkshire’s public transport services and is the body to which the West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (PTE) is accountable. The PTE provides the ‘hands on’ operational management of regional public transport whilst the PTA determines the policies, budgets and finances.
The PTA has certain statutory duties to perform that are set out in legislation. Probably their most important function is to co-ordinate and promote the use of public transport in West Yorkshire. This entails the following aspects:
- Community Engagement - to consult the public about the provision of transport in the area and then use this information to inform decision-making.
- Planning and Performance Management - setting clear priorities and targets for the PTE in relation to the key aims of the Authority and then monitoring performance against these.
- Resource Use and Allocation - allocating resources to the PTE having regard to economy, efficiency and effectiveness.
- Integrity and Ethical Standards - reviews its own and the Transport Executive’s practices and procedures to ensure that they comply with all necessary legislation and Government requirements.
- Appointment of Chief Officers - responsibility for appointing the Director General and other PTE Directors.
In seeking to meet the public transport needs of the people who live and work in the County, WYPTA obtains funds through a Transport Levy on the 5 District Councils, Government Grants and income generation.
The key to a good public transport system is partnership. This involves all the organisations below:
- The five district councils
- West Yorkshire Police and Fire services
- Local Strategic Partnerships eg Leeds Initiative
- Strategic Rail Authority
- other PTAs and PTEs
- rail operators
- bus operators
- Office of the Deputy Prime Minister
- Government Office for Yorkshire and Humberside
- other relevant government agencies
- Yorkshire Forward
- Yorkshire and Humber Assembly
Metro also:-
- pays for over 20% of local bus services.
- specifies, pays for, develops and monitors local rail services.
- administers and funds a comprehensive concessionary fare scheme.
- provides bus stations, shelters and stops.
- promotes equal access to public transport for all.
- co-ordinates activities to achieve better integrated public transport services.
- provides travel information.
- administers the Metro Prepaid Ticket Scheme.
- plans future investment in transport infrastructure and services.
