West Yorkshire’s regional leaders are preparing to make a key decision on the next phase of investment in the region’s future bus network, with plans for a £90 million funding package to help deliver hundreds of new Weaver Network buses.
If approved by members of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, the funding would cover the remaining 193 buses required for the first phase of bus franchising and could also fund a further 63 vehicles for the second phase.
The investment would take total spending on buses for the first two franchising rounds to more than £120 million, delivering a fleet of 256 new vehicles across the region.
The move comes as West Yorkshire prepares to bring bus services under public control. From next year, decisions on routes, timetables and fares will be made by the Combined Authority rather than private operators. Revenue generated from fares will be reinvested into improving services across the network.
Once all three franchising phases are completed, around 576 new buses are expected to be operating across West Yorkshire as part of the wider Weaver Network programme.
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said:
"This investment demonstrates our commitment to building a better-connected West Yorkshire with a bus network that is fit for the future.
“Dozens of state-of-the-art electric buses are on the production line as we speak, while work is ongoing to bring depots and facilities into public control.
“The Weaver Network and its buses will be the pride of West Yorkshire.”
The Weaver Network is designed to create a fully integrated transport system across the region, bringing together buses, rail services, future mass transit, walking, wheeling, and cycling under a single brand.
The first phase of the franchised network is due to launch in May 2027 and will primarily serve Kirklees, Dewsbury, Huddersfield, and parts of Leeds. The second phase, expected in early 2028, will focus on the Five Towns area, Wakefield, and additional parts of Leeds.
The final phase, scheduled for later in 2028, will complete the transition to franchising and extend the network across Bradford, Calderdale, and the remaining parts of Wakefield.
Members of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority are set to vote on the proposed investment at a meeting on 30 July.
Image credit: iStock
