Bus franchising in West Yorkshire takes major step forward as first contracts signed

The first contracts of the new era of bus franchising have been officially signed by regional transport chiefs and bus operators. 
  
First West Yorkshire has been chosen to run services running in Huddersfield and parts of Leeds, while Transdev Blazefield has been chosen to run services in Dewsbury. Further, smaller contracts and school service contracts are also progressing and announcements are expected in the coming weeks. 
  
This follows a robust and competitive process over the last 10 months. 
  
The first Weaver Network services are due to launch in Spring 2027, with franchising introduced in phases across West Yorkshire through to the end of 2028. 
  
Currently, more than 80 percent of the bus network is run by private operators who decide routes, frequencies and timetables, with the Combined Authority subsidising extra services and cheaper fares. 
  
Under bus franchising, West Yorkshire Combined Authority will own the majority of buses and depots for the larger contracts, while setting routes, fares and service standards for all franchised services. Operators will be contracted to run services on its behalf. 
  
This means greater accountability, with decisions about buses made locally and services that are designed for the people, not for profit.   

Mayor of West Yorkshire 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.” 

Graham Sutherland, Chief Executive, FirstGroup, said: 

“We’re delighted to have been chosen to operate services as part of the Weaver Network.  
 
"This is a milestone for public transport in West Yorkshire, and we're excited to help shape the next chapter of bus travel across the region. 
  
“Drawing on our experience in the London contract and Manchester franchise market, we look forward to working in partnership with the Combined Authority to deliver a network of high-quality bus services that support local people, help communities thrive and make bus travel an attractive choice for more people.” 

Transdev Blazefield Managing Director Henri Rohard said: 

"We are delighted to have been awarded and signed the Weaver Network contract for bus services in the Dewsbury area by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. 
 
“Transdev has served local communities across West Yorkshire since 2006 and has a strong reputation for delivering high-quality and reliable transportation services. 
 
“We look forward to welcoming our new colleagues and customers in Dewsbury on board as West Yorkshire begins this exciting new chapter in its public services.” 

The contracts signed this week are to run bus services registered to the Bramley, Dewsbury and Huddersfield strategic bus depots, and will not necessarily include every service running in that area.   

Intention to award notifications are expected to be sent to operators for smaller contracts and school service contracts for round one of bus franchising in the coming weeks. 
  
Round one services will run from Spring 2027, with services in round two (set to be introduced in early 2028) mainly covering parts of Leeds and Wakefield; while round three (Autumn 2028) will include services covering the rest of West Yorkshire, including Bradford, Calderdale and parts of Wakefield.