By KLTV Newsdesk –

First West Yorkshire and Transdev Blazefield appointed to operate services in Huddersfield, Leeds and Dewsbury as Weaver Network prepares for 2027 launch

The first contracts under West Yorkshire’s new bus franchising system have officially been signed, marking a major milestone in plans to bring the region’s bus network under greater public control.

Regional transport chiefs have signed the first agreements with bus operators following a competitive process lasting around 10 months.

First West Yorkshire has been selected to operate services running in Huddersfield and parts of Leeds, while Transdev Blazefield will operate services in the Dewsbury area.

Further, smaller contracts and school service contracts are also progressing, with announcements expected in the coming weeks.

Weaver Network to launch in 2027

The first services under the new Weaver Network are expected to begin operating in spring 2027, with bus franchising then being introduced in phases across West Yorkshire through to the end of 2028.

The contracts signed this week cover services registered to the Bramley, Dewsbury and Huddersfield strategic bus depots.

They will not necessarily include every service currently operating in those areas.

Under the current system, more than 80 per cent of the bus network is operated by private companies, which decide routes, frequencies and timetables.

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority subsidises additional services and supports cheaper fares.

Bus franchising will change the way the network is managed, with the Combined Authority setting routes, fares and service standards for all franchised services.

For the larger contracts, the Combined Authority will also own the majority of buses and depots, while operators will be contracted to run services on its behalf.

The aim is to give the region greater local accountability and ensure decisions about bus services are made locally.

Mayor welcomes “landmark moment”

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said the signing of the contracts represented a significant step towards her commitment to bringing buses under public control: “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.”

First West Yorkshire to operate Huddersfield services

FirstGroup Chief Executive Graham Sutherland welcomed the company’s appointment to operate services as part of the Weaver Network: “We’re delighted to have been chosen to operate services as part of the Weaver Network.

“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.”

The appointment means First West Yorkshire will operate franchised services covering Huddersfield, as well as parts of Leeds, when the first round of franchising begins.

Transdev appointed for Dewsbury

Transdev Blazefield Managing Director Henri Rohard said the company was pleased to have secured its contract for the Dewsbury area: “We are delighted to have been awarded and signed the Weaver Network contract for bus services in the Dewsbury area by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

“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.”

Franchising to roll out in three rounds

The first round of franchised services is scheduled to begin in spring 2027.

The second round, planned for early 2028, will mainly cover parts of Leeds and Wakefield.

A third round is expected in autumn 2028, extending franchising across the remainder of West Yorkshire, including services covering Bradford, Calderdale and parts of Wakefield.

In the coming weeks, intention-to-award notifications are expected to be issued to operators for smaller contracts and school service contracts forming part of the first round.

The phased rollout will eventually create a region-wide franchised bus network, with West Yorkshire Combined Authority responsible for setting the standards, routes and fares across franchised services.