Council leaders in West Yorkshire have approved a multi-million pound investment into a new fleet of publicly owned, zero emission electric buses.
The new Weaver Network bus fleet will have their bus fares, routes and timetables set by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
The process has begun for selecting operators to run services on behalf of the Combined Authority.
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.”
An exciting change is coming…
— Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire (@MayorOfWY) May 12, 2025
Introducing the Weaver Network – a transport network made to measure for West Yorkshire!
Our new name is a promise to everyone that wherever you’re going, we’ll get you there 🚲🚌https://t.co/trSYXsqktw pic.twitter.com/SfHq82FV9I
Just last week, the Combined Authority committee members approved a £30 million deposit to ensure the vehicles will be delivered in time for the first franchised services due to start in April 2027.
It is set to be rolled out in three phases, with each round covering three geographical zones, and aims to conclude in 2028.
The first round of the bus fleet order will cost a grand total of £100 million.
This is apart of the larger Weaver Network scheme, bringing together buses, trains and walking routes to connect communities in West Yorkshire.
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.
A consultation is planned for the Autumn, where members of the public can help create some of the features on the new buses.
These features may include accessibility, heating, ventilation and seating.
Mrs Brabin added: “Bringing buses under our control will ensure that services work for passengers, creating a greener, better-connected region for everyone.”