West Yorkshire Approves £100m Zero-Emission Bus Fleet for Public Control

West Yorkshire is set to transform its public transport system with a multi-million pound investment in a new fleet of zero-emission electric buses as part of the Weaver Network, a publicly controlled, integrated bus service launching in 2027. The West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) approved a £30 million deposit to secure the first batch of vehicles, with the total fleet order costing up to £100 million. Under this franchising model, similar to London's, WYCA will control fares, routes, and timetables, aiming to create a greener, more passenger-focused network that integrates buses, trains, walking, and cycling routes. Mayor Tracy Brabin emphasized that this investment will make sustainable travel a preferred choice and ensure services meet passenger needs while supporting regional connectivity and environmental goals. The franchised services will be rolled out in three phases across different geographic zones, concluding in 2028, with public consultations planned to shape features like accessibility and comfort on the new buses. The authority has also begun selecting operators to run the services on its behalf, offering various contract types to support this transition.