Combined Authority to buy Hunslet and Bramley First Bus depots as franchising plans move forward
Five sites, in Bradford, Bramley, Halifax, Huddersfield and Hunslet, will be bought
Two First Bus depots in Leeds are set to be purchased by the Combined Authority as part of franchising plans.
The West Yorkshire Combined Authority has agreed a deal to purchase five major depots from FirstGroup as part of preparations for the region’s publicly owned bus network.
Five sites, in Bradford, Bramley, Halifax, Huddersfield and Hunslet, will help to house the fleet of Weaver Network buses, set to take to the region’s roads in 2027 and 2028.
It follows the announcement during the summer that £120 million would be spent on more than 250 brand new buses to be used in rounds one and two of the new publicly owned Weaver Network, with more funding to follow for round three.
West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said: “Our Weaver Network buses will be on the region’s roads next spring and I cannot wait for passengers to feel the benefit.
“We are serious about providing the infrastructure needed to make the Weaver Network a success, and these depots will help us to house, refuel and maintain hundreds of vehicles in the coming years.
“Along with our ongoing work to bring mass transit, better rail services and improved walking, wheeling and cycling routes to the region, this will help us build a better-connected West Yorkshire that works for everyone.”
The franchised bus network will allow the Combined Authority to set routes, fares and frequencies for the region’s buses, while owning some key depots and vehicles, ensuring fares are invested back into improving bus services and infrastructure.
Round one services (covering Kirklees and parts of Leeds) will run from Spring 2027, with services in round two (mainly covering parts of Leeds and Wakefield) set to be introduced in early 2028.
From Autumn 2028, round three will be introduced, including services covering the rest of West Yorkshire, including Bradford, Calderdale and parts of Wakefield.
Graham Sutherland, Chief Executive of FirstGroup, said: “This is an important milestone in the delivery of the Weaver Network and we are pleased to have reached an agreement with the Combined Authority on the sale of these assets.
“We are looking forward to partnering with the Combined Authority to deliver its ambition for the Weaver Network.
“We will continue to serve the people of West Yorkshire, connecting communities, supporting local growth, and making public transport an attractive choice for more people.”
Passengers will start to see Weaver Network-branded buses on the road before the official launch, as some franchise bus operators will take the opportunity to adopt the new branding during routine upgrades to their vehicles.
Further procurement processes to award contracts to operators to provide drivers and run services are ongoing.