First look as brand new West Yorkshire 'Weaver Network' buses are unveiled
The Weaver Network is the region’s new transport network which joins together buses, trains, a future mass transit system, walking, wheeling and cycling.
West Yorkshire’s brand new Weaver Network buses have been unveiled ahead of their roll out which begins next year.
Visiting the Wrightbus Factory in Northern Ireland, Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, saw the region’s new fleet of buses being assembled. They will come into use from Spring 2027 when the Weaver Network comes into effect.
The Weaver Network is the region’s new transport network which joins together buses, trains, a future mass transit system, walking, wheeling and cycling.
Wrightbus won the contract to produce almost 200 new electric buses in May this year, following a competitive process. These are the first vehicles which will make up a fleet of Combined Authority owned buses for franchising, which will be leased to operators.
Under bus franchising, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority will take buses back under public control, setting fares and routes.
Interior features of the new vehicles will include USB charging, air conditioning and more space for wheelchair users, as well as flexible space for pushchairs and luggage. The seat covers will be produced by West Yorkshire based textiles firm, Camira Fabrics.
Speaking from the factory, Mayor Brabin said: “Across West Yorkshire we are already seeing signs of our new Weaver Network, with new bus shelters and the opening of Heckmondwike Bus Station.
“And seeing the new electric buses on the production line is another exciting step on our journey to franchising, before they’re rolling through our cities, towns and countryside.
“I can’t wait to see these new buses on our streets as part of a fully integrated transport network under the Weaver Network, providing a better-connected West Yorkshire that works for all.”
The visit comes as the first contracts for the new network have been signed, seeing a mixture of operators taking on routes across Kirklees and Leeds, which will be the first services in operation. Publicly controlled buses will be introduced in stages across West Yorkshire between Spring 2027 and late 2028.
The region has also seen new AccessBus ultra-low emissions buses coming into service under the Weaver Network, made by Mellor, a UK based manufacturer based in Rochdale.
Accessbus, which provides door to door services for passengers who find it difficult to use traditional public transport, such as the elderly or those with additional needs, will see 33 new buses join the fleet with low floor access and additional room for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
Richard Matthews, Sales Director at Mellor, said: “Being a Yorkshireman myself, there’s something particularly special about seeing 33 Mellor buses being delivered to communities across West Yorkshire.
“AccessBus performs an important role for passengers who rely on accessible transport, and these buses are perfectly suited to the operation. They provide genuine low-floor access, flexibility for wheelchairs and mobility equipment and a modern passenger environment, while retaining the manoeuvrability and efficiency that come with a smaller vehicle.
“It’s also a significant order for our team and a great example of British-built buses being designed around the specific needs of the services and communities they will support.”