West Yorkshire’s regional leaders have unveiled the Weaver Network, a bold new identity for the region’s public transport system, marking a major step toward a more unified, accessible, and modern travel experience.
Unveiled by Mayor Tracy Brabin and the leaders of West Yorkshire’s five councils at Millennium Square in Leeds, the Weaver Network will serve as a single, cohesive brand across all modes of public transport and active travel. The initiative aims to simplify travel for passengers and better reflect the region’s cultural identity.
The name “Weaver Network” draws inspiration from West Yorkshire’s rich industrial past and symbolises the weaving together of communities, places, and opportunities. Poet Laureate and West Yorkshire resident Simon Armitage contributed to the cultural exploration that shaped the brand’s identity.
The new brand replaces the long-standing Metro identity, along with sub-brands like Leeds Park and Ride and CityConnect, as part of a wider plan to create an integrated transport system for the region.
Commenting on the launch, West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said:
“For too long, our region has suffered from a disjointed, confusing, and increasingly hard to navigate public transport system.
“The Weaver Network is a fresh, modern identity for transport in West Yorkshire, reflecting our greater powers through devolution, as well as our ongoing work to bring buses back under public control and create a fully-integrated mass transit network.
“This will help us on our journey to creating a transport system that is easier to use, and demonstrates our ambition to create a better-connected region that works for all.”
To ensure cost-effectiveness, the Weaver Network will be introduced gradually. The first phase will see the branding applied to existing infrastructure replacements at bus stops and stations. From 2027, it will be extended to buses as they come under local control, and later incorporated into the planned West Yorkshire tram system, with construction beginning in 2028.
The rollout will align with the three phases of the bus franchising programme, and a detailed transition report will be presented at a future Combined Authority meeting.
The Weaver Network will unify branding across buses, trams, and active travel, while also simplifying fares, journey planning, and travel information. It represents a major step forward in delivering a more connected, inclusive, and efficient transport system for West Yorkshire.
Image credit: iStock
