The West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) has approved a “deposit” of £30 million that will ensure new zero-emission buses will be delivered in time for the commencement of bus franchising in the region during April 2027.
Up to £100 million is estimated to be the total that will be spent on new buses for the first round of franchising in the region. Rollout of reregulation will be in three such rounds, with the opening of those capturing Kirklees and parts of Leeds.
Papers for a WYCA meeting on 16 October, where the deposit was authorised, show that procurement will call off a Crown Commercial Services Framework lot specifically created for the delivery of buses.
“The decision to use the framework was informed by market engagement, which noted that there is a comprehensive list of manufacturers available and has been tested before both by franchising authorities in Greater Manchester and [the] Liverpool City Region,” the papers continue.
A deposit will secure manufacturing slots and allow for delivery of the buses in time for the start of round one contracts. The procurement competition closed on 19 September, although the winning manufacturer(s) are not yet decided.
WYCA will own the vehicles used on large, Tier A franchising contracts. Operators will provide those for smaller Tier B and Tier C awards. Minimum standards will be set in both cases to cover emissions, passenger capacities, accessibility, and customer and safety features.
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin describes approval of the zero-emission bus investment as “a major step towards exciting change for our region’s buses.” The area already sees battery-electric operation through First Bus and Transdev Blazefield.
Ms Brabin adds that zero-emission buses procured by WYCA will come with “features and designs shaped by the people who use them.” The Weaver Network brand will be used on franchised bus services in West Yorkshire.
A public consultation on specification elements of the new zero-emission buses will be held this autumn. WYCA notes how accessibility, seating, heating and ventilation are to be among items considered, as will be air-conditioning.
Beyond that, engagement with bus drivers via their trade unions will take place to provide insight into driver assistance and safety assistance systems, as well as seeking views on customer-facing options.
Bidding for the first round of franchise contracts in Kirklees and parts of Leeds opens this month. It follows announcement by WYCA that 25 operators form part of its dynamic market for that exercise, which captures home-to-school services in addition to public routes.
