Yorkshire Travel Group, which traded as Yorkshire Buses, announced on 31 March it was ceasing its operations on the same day.
The Wakefield-based operator, which operated seven bus services in South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire, cited rising in costs for its closure at 8pm.
Yorkshire Buses was established in 2020 and reported 43 employees in its accounts for the year ending September 2024.
A statement from the operator on Facebook reads: “After much thought and consideration, the continued rise in costs, which includes fuel and many other significant increases, has made it no longer sustainable for us to continue operating.
“This has not been an easy decision, and it is one we have fought hard to avoid, however with further cost increases forecast on the horizon, the decision has had to be made sooner rather than later.
“From the very beginning, Yorkshire Buses has been about more than just transport. It has been about community, connection, and the people we have had the privilege to serve every single day.
“We want to take this moment to sincerely thank each and every one of you, our passengers, nurses, supporters, staff, and partners and the rest for your loyalty, kindness, and support over the years. Your encouragement has meant more to us than words can express.
“To our incredible team – past and present – thank you for your dedication and hard work. You are the heart of everything we have done.
“While this chapter is coming to a close, we will always be grateful for the journey we have shared together.”
West Yorkshire Metro, the transport brand of West Yorkshire Combined Authority, says it is seeking other operators to replace the affected services.
Bus operators have been hit by the recent fuel-cost rises linked to the war in the Middle East, while businesses this month are facing a rise in national minimum wage, statutory sick pay and other employment costs.
Most of Yorkshire Buses’ routes were contained within the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, which is due to roll out bus franchising across the region between May 2027 and the end of 2028.
At least one of its routes was covered by the first phase of introduction, for which bidding with the authority has just closed, with evaluation due to take place this month and in May.
Another of its routes was in South Yorkshire, which is also set to begin bus franchising next year.
