West Yorkshire to franchise from 2027
Bus franchising is coming to West Yorkshire. It is to be introduced in phases, with the first franchised buses up and running in parts of Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield from March 2027.
The Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, made the announcement today (14 March). It follows a three month consultation which revealed that nearly three-quarters of respondents supported franchising.
Franchising has been recommended by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority at its meeting in Leeds today.
Routes, frequencies, fares and overall standards for buses in the region will now be set by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. Private operators will be contracted to run services on the Combined Authority’s behalf.
“I’m delighted to announce that we are taking back control of our buses in West Yorkshire” – Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin
Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, said: “I’m delighted to announce that we are taking back control of our buses in West Yorkshire, empowering the public to hold me to account for better services.
“For too long, buses have been run in the interests of private companies, not passengers. Franchising will help us build a better-connected bus network that works for all, not just company shareholders.
“But we know that change will not happen overnight – the hard work we’ve been doing to improve the bus network continues while we work at pace to bring this new way of running the buses to our 2.4 million residents.”
Before the franchised network is underway in 2027, the Combined Authority will continue with its BSIP, which has seen the introduction of the £2 Mayor’s Fares, increased frequencies on key routes, investment in bus stations and shelters and new bus services launching across West Yorkshire.
A new package of bus improvements for services across the region is also set to be announced in May.
“We look forward to working closely with the Mayor and her team to help achieve their ambitions for improved bus services for passengers in West Yorkshire” – Arriva Yorkshire
A spokesperson for Arriva Yorkshire said: “We welcome confirmation of Mayor Tracy Brabin’s intention to move towards a franchising model for local bus services in West Yorkshire.
“We know from our experience in London and across Mainland Europe that franchised networks can deliver the successful and high performing services that local communities deserve.
“We look forward to working closely with the Mayor and her team to help achieve their ambitions for improved bus services for passengers in West Yorkshire.”