A multi-million pound investment in a new fleet of publicly owned, zero emission electric buses has been approved by West Yorkshire’s council leaders, and Kirklees will be among the first to benefit.
A new region-wide franchised network will see bus fares, routes and timetables set by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, forming a key part of an integrated Weaver Network. The Combined Authority has already started the procurement process for selecting operators, through a range of different contract types and sizes, to run services on its behalf.
Operators are currently being invited to bid for the first round of contracts, covering Kirklees and parts of Leeds. Strides were also made last week when Combined Authority committee members approved a deposit of £30m to ensure the vehicles will be delivered in time for the first franchised services starting in April 2027.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “This investment is a major step towards exciting changes for our region’s buses.
“A brand new fleet of zero emission electric vehicles, including features and designs shaped by the people who use them, will be a vital part of an integrated Weaver Network that makes sustainable travel the easy choice.
“Bringing buses under our control will ensure that services work for passengers, creating a greener, better-connected region for everyone.”
Franchising is set to be rolled out across the region in three phases, with each round covering three geographical zones, beginning in April 2027 and concluding in 2028. It will form a key part of an integrated Weaver Network which aims to bring together buses, trains and walking and cycling routes to connect communities, improve access to jobs and open up new opportunities.
The single unified identity was unveiled earlier this year and the public will start to see the Weaver Network on transport infrastructure as the Combined Authority repairs, replaces, upgrades and invests in the travel network. West Yorkshire’s first Weaver branded bus station is currently under construction in Heckmondwike.
Publicly-owned buses will be used for the larger franchised contracts, alongside vehicles provided by operators running smaller contracts. Minimum vehicle standards would be set for both, covering a range of categories including emissions, capacity, maintenance, customer services, accessibility and safety features.
Members of the public will be able to help shape some customer features on the new fleet of buses, such as accessibility, seating, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, with a consultation due to be held in the autumn. The total cost for the first round’s bus fleet order is estimated to be up to £100m.
