Hundreds of new, electric buses to come to West Yorkshire as multi-million pound deal agreed

Mayor Tracy Brabin has signed an order with Wrightbus, as part of a contract worth up to £100 million, that will see new buses run in Wakefield and across the region from spring 2027. The Northern Ireland-based company will provide 193 single and double-decker electric buses to run as part of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s publicly-controlled fleet – a central part of the Weaver Network.

The Weaver Network is the region’s new, integrated transport network - joining up buses, trains, a mass transit system, walking, wheeling and cycling under one name.

The Network will bring transport operations under public control, meaning local authorities will set fares, routes, and timetables. Each of the new buses 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. The agreement follows an announcement earlier this month that Weaver Network buses will be kitted out with seat covers made by West Yorkshire textiles firm Camira Fabrics.

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: "These beautiful new buses herald the start of a new era for public transport in a better-connected West Yorkshire. “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.”