Free all day bus travel planned for disabled people in West Yorkshire
It'll be part of the rollout of the Weaver Network across the region
Free bus travel could soon be on the way for disabled people across West Yorkshire.
The West Yorkshire Combined Authority recently revealed the plans which would allow those with disabled bus passes to travel on buses for free at any time of day, once the region’s buses are brought back under public control as part of the Weaver Network. Currently, disabled and companion pass holders must purchase a full fare before 9.30am on weekdays.
Subject to approval at a WYCA meeting tomorrow (March 12), the change will be introduced in Wakefield from May this year, allowing the Combined Authority to test its impact ahead of a region-wide roll-out.
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: “Having a disability should not limit your ability to access work. You asked and we have listened – allowing disabled people to travel for free before 9.30am will lift barriers to opportunity and help to grow our economy by better-connecting people to jobs and training.
“We are building the bus network the people of our region deserve by investing millions to improve journeys for passengers. The Weaver Network and its buses will be the pride of West Yorkshire.”
Also on the agenda are plans for Huddersfield Bus Station, with WYCA expected to give final approval for its £28m refurbishment. The station recently made headlines after being branded “a disgrace” due to serious concerns over its condition.
The new-look station was originally expected to be finished by the end of 2025 but with initial planning permission only granted in February of that year, this never came to fruition.
Now, further plans have been approved by Kirklees Council, featuring some amendments like size of the canopy, with a ‘living roof’ being dramatically reduced and the cycle hub being axed and replaced with a cycle parking area for 32 bikes, in a bid to “optimise” costs and environmental impact.
Elsewhere, the transformation of Heckmondwike Bus Station is nearing completion, with Dewsbury due to reopen to passengers in Autumn following a major upgrade.