First look at West Yorkshire's New Weaver Network Buses

West Yorkshire's new Weaver Network buses are taking shape at the Wrightbus factory in Northern Ireland, with Mayor Tracy Brabin among those getting a first look at the fleet before they head to Yorkshire.

West Yorkshire Combined Authority

The vehicles are being assembled ahead of their rollout from spring 2027, when the Weaver Network comes into effect. Wrightbus won the contract to build almost 200 new electric buses in May, following a competitive process.

They will be the first vehicles in a fleet owned by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and leased to operators under the region's bus franchising model, which sees the authority set fares and routes while operators run the services.

Passengers can expect USB charging, air conditioning and more space for wheelchair users, along with flexible space for pushchairs and luggage. The interior designs were shaped by a public consultation earlier this year, and the seat covers will be produced by West Yorkshire textiles firm Camira Fabrics.

West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Speaking from the factory, Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy 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.”

Christian Reynolds, Managing Director of Wrightbus, said:

“We’re proud to be building the new Weaver Network buses in Northern Ireland and to have welcomed the Mayor to see the fleet in-build process.

“These buses will play an important role in the future of public transport across West Yorkshire, and we’re working closely with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to make sure they deliver the quality, comfort and accessibility passengers expect.

“The UK supply chain is an important part of our success and it’s particularly pleasing to see Yorkshire businesses such as Camira Fabrics playing a part in the project. West Yorkshire based Camira is one of many regional companies supplying Wrightbus along with Autosound, Farnell Element14, Specialist Ducting Supplies, Automint, Ardent, and Elite Vehicle Supplies to name a few, all coming together to demonstrate the wider economic benefits that can come from investing in UK manufactured public transport.”

Since the Mayor took the decision to bring buses back under public control in 2024, the region has stepped in to save routes and keep fares low, as it works towards a better connected and more reliable service. Services like the 24-hour bus route in West Yorkshire show the appetite for that kind of network.

With less than a year until the first Weaver Network services launch, passengers will start to see more of the new transport brand appearing across the region, including new electric buses in Bradford and Keighley. More than 150 green Weaver Network bus shelters are being installed, replacing older or faulty shelters that are nearing the end of their lifespan.

The Weaver Network will better connect buses to trains, a future mass transit system, walking, wheeling and cycling.

For more on how other regions are getting on, see the latest from Liverpool City Region, where seven British-built Treka Citysprints have joined the Metro fleet, and from Greater Manchester, where the Bee Network has expanded its night bus services.