West Yorkshire’s new bus franchising regime has taken another step towards full implementation with First Bus having been chosen to run services in Huddersfield, as well as parts of Leeds.
First Bus’s selection follows a competitive 10 month tendering process, and will see the operator running services registered to the Bramley and Huddersfield strategic bus depots – but not necessarily every service running within that area.
The first Weaver Network services are due to launch in Spring 2027, with franchising set to be introduced in phases across West Yorkshire through to the end of 2028.
At present, over 80% of the region’s bus network is run by private operators, who decide routes, frequencies and timetables whilst the Combined Authority subsidises extra services and cheaper fares.
Under bus franchising, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority will own the majority of buses and depots for the larger contracts and set routes, fares and service standards for all franchise services, with operators set to be contracted to run services on its behalf.
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said:We are now signing the contracts for services to be run under a franchised system – this is a landmark moment for bus franchising.
For the first time, operators will run these services on behalf of West Yorkshire, to standards set by West Yorkshire.
Bus franchising is one of the biggest steps towards creating our integrated Weaver Network and a better-connected, more reliable and affordable transport system for West Yorkshire.
Graham Sutherland, Chief Executive, FirstGroup, said:We’re delighted to have been chosen to operate services as part of the Weaver Network. This is a milestone for public transport in West Yorkshire, and we're excited to help shape the next chapter of bus travel across the region.
Drawing on our experience in the London contract and Manchester franchise market, we look forward to working in partnership with the Combined Authority to deliver a network of high-quality bus services that support local people, help communities thrive and make bus travel an attractive choice for more people.
