Regional leaders to approve £6.5m replacement of West Yorkshire’s AccessBus fleet

Bus passengers in West Yorkshire are set to benefit from a £6.5 million investment into a brand-new fleet of fully accessible, ultra-low emission buses.

Regional leaders are expected to agree plans to replace the entire region-wide AccessBus fleet of 33 vehicles at a meeting of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority next week.

AccessBus provides a door-to-door service for passengers who are older, more vulnerable or have extra mobility needs. It enables people who face barriers to using traditional public transport to access shops, services and community facilities.

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: 

“Having the help you need to get around is not just something that’s nice to have – it is a right that everyone should have. 

“This investment will allow us to continue helping those who struggle to get to the places they need to go.

“AccessBus is a part of our Weaver Network, creating a greener, better-connected West Yorkshire.”

Vehicles are manufactured to a bespoke specification, with low floor access and an internal layout that provides more space for wheelchairs and other mobility equipment than a standard bus.

The existing vehicles are reaching the end of their operational lives, with each between 11 and 18 years old.

The new vehicles will continue to be run by a service operator, responsible for providing drivers and storing and maintaining the fleet, with passengers able to arrange collection and pick-up via the Combined Authority.

The full West Yorkshire Combined Authority meeting will take place on Thursday, January 22.

For more information on AccessBus, visit www.wymetro.com/plan-a-journey/accessible-travel/accessbus/ or call the AccessBus team on 0113 348 1903.