Bus franchising
It’s time to bring buses back under public control. Get set for clearer, better value fares, greener buses, improved services and so much more as part of our new joined-up Weaver Network.
It’s time to bring buses back under public control. Get set for clearer, better value fares, greener buses, improved services and so much more as part of our new joined-up Weaver Network.
In March 2024, the Mayor of West Yorkshire announced plans to regain control of our buses through franchising.
So, what does this mean for you and your local bus service? Next stop – a better service for everyone. The Combined Authority will manage routes, frequencies, fares and overall standards for buses in the area, rather than private companies. This will start to be rolled out in 2027 as part of our joined-up Weaver Network, with a completion date of late 2028.
Buses are the most used public transport in West Yorkshire. Millions of our residents rely on this service every year. Keep reading to learn about the benefits of this exciting change and how it will improve your daily bus experience in our region.
Every bus passenger in West Yorkshire should expect high customer standards. Thanks to our new franchising scheme, we are aiming to deliver more reliable, frequent and accessible services for all.
Say goodbye to complicated ticketing. Franchising will let us simplify fares, routes and timetables based on passenger needs, not profit. This makes the process clearer for everyone.
We will introduce a new fleet of 100% zero-emission buses over time as part of franchising. This will allow us to set quality standards for the vehicles operating on the network.
The new Weaver Network promises a more seamless passenger experience. Get ready for joined-up bus journeys with co-ordinated timetables, consistency across ticketing, journey planning and real-time information, plus the potential for one ticket to cover multiple modes of transport in the future.
New forms of transport are the way forward for accessibility and connectivity in our region. Discover more about our plans for trams and more.
New forms of transport are the way forward for accessibility and connectivity in our region. Discover more about our plans for trams and more.
Trains are a vital part of the West Yorkshire transport system, connecting us to other parts of the country in a clean, green and efficient way.
Trains are a vital part of the West Yorkshire transport system, connecting us to other parts of the country in a clean, green and efficient way.
