Tens of millions of pounds are set to be invested in transport improvements across West Yorkshire as the region prepares for the arrival of the new Weaver Network buses next year.
The distinctive green buses are expected to begin appearing on local roads as Mayor Tracy Brabin moves to bring services back under public control for the first time in nearly 40 years. Under the new franchised model, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority will take charge of planning bus routes, setting service frequencies, managing fares and enforcing standards — a shift intended to put passengers first rather than prioritising operator profits.
Work is already in progress on a series of major infrastructure schemes. The transformation of Heckmondwike Bus Station is nearing completion, while Dewsbury is due to reopen to passengers in the autumn following a significant upgrade.
Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin said:
“Having a disability should not limit your ability to access work. You asked and we have listened – allowing disabled people to travel for free before 9.30am will lift barriers to opportunity and help to grow our economy by better-connecting people to jobs and training.
“We are building the bus network the people of our region deserve by investing millions to improve journeys for passengers.
“The Weaver Network and its buses will be the pride of West Yorkshire.”
Further investment decisions are expected in the days ahead. The Combined Authority is due to give final approval next week for a £28 million refurbishment of Huddersfield Bus Station, while plans for a new £60 million bus depot in Wakefield — designed to be ready for zero-emission vehicles — are also set to move forward.
Additional funding is also expected to be signed off for improvements to key routes and interchanges, including bus access works on Woodhouse Lane in Leeds and Wakefield Road in Bradford. Upgrades to bus lanes and stops on Beckett Street in Leeds are also planned to improve access to St James’ Hospital.
The Combined Authority says progress is building on work already delivered in recent years, including new bus lanes, bus gates and traffic-light priority measures aimed at improving journey times and reliability. More than £53 million has also been invested in modernising bus stations across the region, including Halifax, which opened in 2024 after a major overhaul.
A procurement process is currently under way with operators hoping to run services under the Weaver Network banner, with an update due to be presented to members at the next Combined Authority meeting on March 12.
Disabled passengers could also benefit from a significant change to concessionary travel. Proposals due to be considered at the meeting would allow disabled and companion pass holders to travel free at any time of day once Weaver Network services begin, ending the current requirement to pay full fare before 9.30am on weekdays. The Combined Authority plans to introduce the change in Wakefield from May to test its impact ahead of a potential region-wide rollout.
Details of the new fleet specification have also been published following last year’s consultation on onboard standards. New buses will include electric-powered accessible ramps, space for two wheelchairs plus an additional flexible area for a pushchair or larger luggage, and USB Type-A and Type-C charging points at every seat. While double doors were not included in the initial consultation, the Combined Authority said further route-specific studies could explore whether they could be introduced in some areas, though practical constraints make a region-wide switch challenging.
The Weaver Network forms a central part of the Mayor’s Local Transport Plan, which sets out the strategic direction for transport investment across West Yorkshire. The plan is also due to be considered for approval at the Combined Authority’s March 12 meeting www.westyorkshire.moderngov.co.uk
