West Yorkshire is set to receive a new fleet of Weaver Network buses in 2027.
The new green vehicles will debut on the region’s roads alongside the reintroduction of a publicly-controlled transport model – the first such shift in almost 40 years.
All new buses will feature electric-powered accessible ramps, dedicated space for two wheelchairs and both USB type‑A and type‑C charging points at every seat.
A new franchised system will see the West Yorkshire Combined Authority manage bus routes, frequencies, fares and standards in an effort to ensure passenger needs are met consistently.
Currently, a number of wider upgrades are being carried out across the region, including a nearly-complete transformation of Heckmondwike Bus Station, as well as major upgrades at Dewsbury, which is due to reopen to passengers this autumn.
The Combined Authority is expected to give a final verdict next week for a 28 million GBP refurbishment of Huddersfield Bus Station, whilst plans for a new 60 million GBP zero-emission-ready bus depot in Wakefield are now also set to move forward.
Further investments are set to be approved for a number of additional key infrastructure projects, including a wealth of improvements to bus access on Woodhouse Lane in Leeds and Wakefield Road in Bradford, with improvements to bus lanes and stops on Beckett Street in Leeds also expected to boost access to St James’ Hospital.
Recent years have seen the Combined Authority deliver a series of major improvements to bus priority infrastructure such as new bus lanes, bus gates and traffic light priority. More than 53 million GBP has also been spend investing in modernising bus stations across West Yorkshire, including the newly-revamped Halifax station, which opened in 2024.
The Combined Authority has announced that it will soon be conducting a procurement exercise with operators who hope to run buses under the Weaver Network banner, with an update expected to be given at its next meeting on 12 March.
The Authority has also revealed that as of today disabled pass holders across West Yorkshire will be able to travel for free at any time of day once the first Weaver Network hit the road (subject to approval at the Combined Authority meeting). Currently, disabled and companion pass holders are required to purchase a full fare before 9:30 on weekdays.
The new change will be introduced in Wakefield from May, enabling the Combined Authority to test its impact before a full, region-wide roll-out.
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.
