Phase one bus franchising contracts signed for West Yorkshire
First West Yorkshire and Transdev Blazefield made the cut, with services due to begin rolling out from spring 2027.
First West Yorkshire has been appointed to operate franchised bus services in Huddersfield and parts of Leeds, while Transdev Blazefield has secured a contract covering services in Dewsbury.
The awards mark the first contracts to be signed as West Yorkshire moves towards a franchised bus network, following a competitive procurement process lasting around 10 months.
The first services under the new Weaver Network are scheduled to launch in spring 2027, with franchising then being introduced in phases across West Yorkshire through to the end of 2028.
Round one services will run from Spring next year, with services in round two – set to be introduced in early 2028 – mainly covering parts of Leeds and Wakefield, while round three – set for Autumn 2028 – will include services covering the rest of West Yorkshire, including Bradford, Calderdale, and parts of Wakefield.
Further smaller contracts, including school service contracts, are progressing, with additional announcements expected in the coming weeks.
Under the new model, West Yorkshire Combined Authority will take greater control over the region’s bus network, setting routes, fares, and service standards for franchised services.
For larger contracts, the Combined Authority will own the majority of buses and depots, while private operators will be contracted to operate services on its behalf.
Currently, more than 80% of West Yorkshire’s bus network is operated by private companies, which have responsibility for deciding routes, frequencies and timetables. The Combined Authority currently subsidises additional services and supports cheaper fares.
The move to franchising will transfer responsibility for planning the network to WYCA, with operators delivering services under contracts agreed with the authority.
The contracts signed 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.
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 of FirstGroup, said: “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: “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.”
