West Yorkshire has made its first step towards selecting bus operators to help run the region’s new Weaver Network, moving Kirklees closer to having publicly controlled buses.
The new West Yorkshire-wide, franchised network will see bus fares, routes and timetables set by the Combined Authority. Bus companies are invited to bid for contracts covering services across West Yorkshire which will be awarded by WYCA.
The Combined Authority kicked off a technical procurement process this week by opening its “dynamic market” for potential operators. A strict criteria has been set out for any companies wanting to run services in the region to raise standards and ensure value for money.
The work makes West Yorkshire the third area in the country, after Manchester and Liverpool city regions, to start the process of signing up operators to run franchised services.
Image: Bradford Council
Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transport Committee, Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe said: “We are eager to see franchised services running as soon as possible, and the new dynamic market ensures we are on the road to better buses.
“This is our opportunity to challenge operators to show us what they can offer as part of a new system where the passenger comes first. I invite operators large and small to get in touch and get involved, and help us to create a better-connected West Yorkshire.”
Last month, it emerged that Kirklees is set to be one of the first West Yorkshire regions to see a publicly-run bus network replace the current privatised model, along with west Leeds. These are set to be up and running from March 2027.
Kirklees Council welcomed the news, with Cabinet Member for Housing and Transport, Cllr Moses Crook, commenting at the time: “Kirklees Labour Council, residents and myself are delighted at the announcement Huddersfield will be one of the first places in West Yorkshire to see publicly controlled buses operating and connecting our towns and villages.
“This is an important Labour policy being delivered by our fantastic Mayor, fixing the poor services that decades of deregulation and profit motivated provision has left us with. Residents will inform our public transport authority about the importance of services that connect towns and villages, enabling adults, children and young people to access work, education and leisure.”
He added: “I cannot wait for the first time that I get to ride on a new, zero emission, publicly owned and operated bus in Kirklees. Our residents want this change, and Labour in power at all levels are delivering!”
