The merging of Bristol-based Badgerline and Scottish-based GRT Holding saw the creation of FirstBus in West Yorkshire. After the corporate logo was introduced, local liveries arrived. However, by 1998 First were pushing for its -Willow Leaf- livery and corporate interior as the standard. Former West Yorkshire PTE vehicles were withdrawn and replaced by the standard Volvo/Wrightbus vehicles from 2004. The low-floor era brought in 120 Volvo/Alexander double-deckers and 20 Volvo saloons with Wrightbus bodies. Investment in Bradford and Leeds was apparent, eventually trickling down elsewhere. In 2012 First refreshed the livery with a more pastel colour scheme, as ninety-eight new buses arrived in Leeds from the Olympic Games. Newer vehicles were also cascaded into Halifax and Huddersfield.Scott Poole documents the ups and downs of this operator, with a range of previously unpublished images.
