Mayor signs £100m deal for fleet of electric buses

A £100m deal to bring a fleet of nearly 200 electric buses to West Yorkshire has been signed by the region's mayor.

The zero emission buses will be part of the Weaver Network – the new publicly controlled public transport network that will be rolled out across the region from next year.

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin has signed an order with Northern Ireland-based Wrightbus which will see the company provide 193 single and double-decker electric buses.

She said: "These beautiful new buses herald the start of a new era for public transport in a better-connected West Yorkshire."

Brabin added: "We're proud to be buying from a UK firm – it's another benefit of a publicly controlled bus network.

"I can't wait to see them weaving their way through our streets in less than a year's time."

Each bus will have two wheelchair spaces and flexible space for pushchairs and luggage, as well as USB charging points.

The new buses will also feature the latest high-tech batteries which will deliver improved performance compared to previous electric bus models.

Wrightbus managing director Christian Reynolds said: "Securing this contract enables us to demonstrate the strength, quality and competitiveness of UK-built zero-emission vehicles.

"The West Yorkshire Combined Authority's successful franchising model ensures this economic contribution continues driving investment, innovation and long-term industrial growth in the UK.

"We are proud to see these vehicles serving key routes in West Yorkshire."

With the first Weaver Network bus service set to launch within a year, passengers will start to see more of the new-look transport brand appearing across the region.

More than 150 green Weaver Network bus shelters are being installed across the region, replacing older or faulty shelters.

Publicly controlled buses will be introduced in stages between spring 2027 and late 2028.

Timetables, fares and routes in the region will be set by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority rather than private operators and money made from fares will go back into improving services.

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