Mayor Tracy Brabin visits Wrightbus for first look at new Weaver Network buses

Mayor Tracy Brabin has had a first look at the new Weaver Network buses on the production line before they make their way to West Yorkshire.

Visiting the Wrightbus Factory in Northern Ireland, the Mayor saw the region's new fleet of buses being assembled ahead of their rollout from Spring 2027, when the Weaver Network comes into effect.

Wrightbus won the contract to produce almost 200 new electric buses in May this year, following a competitive process. These are the first vehicles which will make up a fleet of Combined Authority owned buses for franchising, which will be leased to operators.

Under bus franchising, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority will take buses back under public control, setting fares and routes, and holding operators to account to ensure a more reliable service.

Interior features will include USB charging, air conditioning and more space for wheelchair users, as well as flexible space for pushchairs and luggage. The public were able to have their say on these designs during a consultation which took place earlier this year.

The seat covers will be produced by West Yorkshire based textiles firm, Camira Fabrics.

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.”

Richard Matthews, Sales Director at Mellor, said:

“Being a Yorkshireman myself, there’s something particularly special about seeing 33 Mellor buses being delivered to communities across West Yorkshire.

“AccessBus performs an important role for passengers who rely on accessible transport, and these buses are perfectly suited to the operation. They provide genuine low-floor access, flexibility for wheelchairs and mobility equipment and a modern passenger environment, while retaining the manoeuvrability and efficiency that come with a smaller vehicle.

“It’s also a significant order for our team and a great example of British-built buses being designed around the specific needs of the services and communities they will support.”

The Mayor took the decision to take the buses back under public control in 2024, and since then has stepped in to save routes and keep fares low, as the region works towards a better connected and more reliable service.

With less than a year until the first Weaver Network bus services launch, 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 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.