A multi-million pound investment in a new fleet of publicly owned, zero-emission electric buses has been signed off by West Yorkshire’s council leaders.
The move paves the way for a new, region-wide franchised bus network, with fares, routes and timetables set by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority as part of the integrated Weaver Network. The aim is to better meet passengers’ needs, support local businesses and provide more seamless, reliable journeys.
The West Yorkshire Combined Authority has now started the procurement process to appoint operators, using a range of contract types and sizes, to run services on its behalf. The Combined Authority committee has agreed to allocate a £30 million deposit to secure the delivery of the new vehicles in time for the launch of the first franchised services in April 2027.
Franchising will be introduced across the region in three stages, with each phase covering three geographic zones, starting in April 2027 and completing in 2028. It will be a central element of the integrated Weaver Network, which will link buses, trains, and walking and cycling routes to better connect communities, improve access to employment and unlock new opportunities.
The new single, unified Weaver Network brand was unveiled earlier this year, and passengers will begin to see it appearing on transport infrastructure as the Combined Authority repairs, replaces, upgrades and invests in the network. Publicly owned buses will operate the larger franchised contracts, while operators awarded smaller contracts will provide their own vehicles. All buses will have to meet minimum standards across areas such as emissions, capacity, maintenance, customer service, accessibility and safety features.
Residents will be invited to help shape aspects of the new fleet’s customer experience – including accessibility, seating, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, through a public consultation planned for the autumn. The total cost of the first round of bus orders is expected to be up to £100 million.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire said:
“This investment is a major step towards exciting changes for our region’s buses. A brand new fleet of zero emission electric vehicles, including features and designs shaped by the people who use them, will be a vital part of an integrated Weaver Network that makes sustainable travel the easy choice.
“Bringing buses under our control will ensure that services work for passengers, creating a greener, better-connected region for everyone.”
In August, the Combined Authority launched its ‘dynamic market’ for prospective operators, allowing approved and registered companies to bid for contracts across the three franchising phases. Clear, rigorous standards have been set for Weaver Network bus services to drive up quality and deliver value for money. Operators are now being invited to tender for the first wave of contracts, which cover Kirklees and parts of Leeds. The contracts are offered in a range of sizes to stimulate competition and open up growth opportunities for smaller firms.
The development of a publicly owned electric bus fleet forms a cornerstone of the region’s growing Weaver Network, the new integrated transport system that will link buses, trains, and walking and cycling routes under a single identity. Together, these changes represent one of the most significant reforms to West Yorkshire’s transport system in decades.
With this investment, West Yorkshire is taking decisive steps toward a transport system that is cleaner, more affordable and more reliable — and crucially, built around the needs of the people who depend on it every day.
