West Yorkshire has reached a major milestone in its plans to bring bus services back under public control, with the first bus franchising contracts officially signed between the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and operators.
First West Yorkshire has been awarded contracts to operate services in Huddersfield and parts of Leeds, while Transdev Blazefield will run services in Dewsbury. The signing marks the culmination of a robust and highly competitive procurement process that has been running for the past 10 months.
Additional contracts covering smaller services and school transport are also progressing, with further announcements expected in the coming weeks.
The first services under the new Weaver Network are scheduled to launch in Spring 2027. Bus franchising will then be rolled out in phases across West Yorkshire until the end of 2028.
At present, more than 80% of West Yorkshire's bus network is operated by private companies that determine routes, frequencies and timetables. The Combined Authority currently supports the network through subsidies, funding additional services and helping to keep fares affordable.
Under the franchising model, the Combined Authority will take ownership of the majority of buses and depots used for larger contracts. It will also be responsible for setting routes, fares and service standards across the franchised network, while operators will deliver services on its behalf.
The move is designed to increase local accountability and give transport leaders greater control over the region's bus network, ensuring services are planned around the needs of communities rather than commercial priorities.
West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said:
“I promised to bring buses back under public control and today is a landmark moment for bus franchising. Signing the first contracts for services is the next step to improving public transport across the region.
“For the first time, operators will run buses on behalf of the people of West Yorkshire, to standards set by us.
“Bus franchising takes us closer to our bold vision of a region-wide integrated Weaver Network and a better-connected, more reliable and affordable transport system for West Yorkshire.”
The contracts signed this week relate to services operated from the Bramley, Dewsbury and Huddersfield strategic bus depots. However, they do not necessarily cover every route operating within those areas.
The first phase of franchised services will begin operating from Spring 2027.
Round two, scheduled for early 2028, will primarily cover parts of Leeds and Wakefield. The final phase, expected in autumn 2028, will extend franchising across the remainder of West Yorkshire, including Bradford, Calderdale and other parts of Wakefield.
Intention-to-award notifications for smaller contracts and school transport services are expected to be issued to operators in the coming weeks, continuing the transition towards a fully integrated regional bus network.
The move represents one of the biggest reforms to bus services in West Yorkshire in decades and forms a key part of plans to create a more reliable, affordable and accessible public transport system across the region.
Image credit: iStock
