On Board Buses Consultation

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What’s on board? Have your say on the design of our new buses

We’re designing new buses for the Weaver Network and we want your input to make sure the key internal features meet your needs.

Background

Changes are coming to West Yorkshire’s transport network.

We’re bringing buses back under local control in the biggest shake-up of our region’s transport network in decades. This will put the public at the heart of our Weaver Network, ensuring that West Yorkshire gets the network it deserves. We want to shape the network with you and we are seeking your views to make this happen from April 2027, including investing in the new Weaver Network buses.

We are asking you to help shape some features on the new buses, including:

  • Connecting on the go (wi-fi and charging your device)

  • Staying comfortable with the right temperature and seat fabric

  • Seating for those who need it most

  • Accessibility, including ramps and space for wheelchair users and prams

  • Other features such as flooring, audio alerts telling you the journey progress and stops and display screens

                                       
Take part in the questionnaire here

Zero-emission buses

Cleaner, greener travel is on the way.

A deposit of almost £30 million has been approved to ensure that a new fleet of publicly owned zero emission electric buses will be delivered in time for the first franchised services starting in April 2027.


Our investment in new electric buses will improve your journey by raising standards: enhancing accessibility, comfort and connectivity on the go, whilst reducing emissions. This is an important step towards a bus service that works for our customers now and in the future.



Staying connected

Our phones are part of our everyday life. Would charging your phone or accessing Wi-Fi make your journey better? Tell us what matters most so we can design a bus with the right on-board features.

Comfort

We know that comfort means different things to different people. Whether it’s the temperature inside the bus or the seat you’re sitting on, we want to make sure your journey feels just right.

With our new zero-emission buses, we’ll be able to better manage onboard temperatures - keeping buses warm in winter and cool in summer. Should buses stay at a steady room-like temperature or adjust based on the weather outside? You tell us.

We’re also reviewing seat materials to make sure they’re supportive and pleasant for all customers. Your views will help us choose the right options.



Improved accessibility

We know the onboard experience is not consistent for bus customers across the region, that current standards and quality of buses are not equal across the region and we want to change this.

We want to ensure that you can travel in comfort, with buses designed with your needs in mind. We are exploring three layout options aiming to improve space and access that we would like your feedback on: Audio and Visual Announcements 

When you’re on the bus, it’s important to know where you are, where the bus is going and what the upcoming stops are. Our audio announcements and visual screens will tell you this information. There could be multiple screens to show the next stop and whether the bus will be stopping there, as well as audio announcements to let you know. The visual screens could also be used to provide identification of the route, the direction of the bus, and the beginning of any diversions.

Flooring 

Flooring design matters, especially for people with sight loss and people with dementia. For people with dementia, a dark patch on a floor can be mistaken for a hole and a glossy surface might be seen as being wet. Any changes in surface texture or colour can be mistaken for changes in levels in the bus. Bold and pronounced patterns can be confusing or over stimulating for people with sight loss or who have sensory/neurological processing difficulties. We want to understand what is important to you when stepping onto a Weaver Network bus.


How you can get involved

Whether you use buses regularly or not, your views matter. You can get involved:

  • Complete our questionnaire by 11.59pm on 21 December 2025

  • Join us at an event

Your feedback will help to shape the final vehicle specifications.

                      
Take part in the questionnaire here


Join a drop-in event

Want to feedback on what the inside of the future buses could look like? Drop by to meet the team, explore the bus designs and share your thoughts.

Paper questionnaires will also be available to take home and submit via our freepost address.

  • Wakefield Bus Station, Union Street, Wakefield - Tuesday 18 November: 11am-3pm

  • Bradford Interchange, Bridge Street, Bradford - Wednesday 19 November: 3pm-6pm

  • White Rose Shopping Centre, Leeds - Tuesday 25 November: 10am-1pm

  • Leeds Bus Station, York Street, Leeds - Saturday 29 November: 10am-2pm

  • Trinity Walk Shopping Centre, Wakefield - Monday 1 December: 10am-1pm

  • Huddersfield Bus Station, Upper Row, Huddersfield - Tuesday 2 December: 8am-11am

  • Halifax Bus Station, Wade Street, Halifax - Thursday 4 December: 2pm-6pm

  • Halifax Borough Market, 19 Borough Street, Halifax - Friday 5 December: 11am-3pm

  • Junction 32 Yorkshire Outlet, Castleford - Monday 8 December: 10am-1pm

  • Pontefract Bus Station, Horsefair, Pontefract - Tuesday 9 December: 9am-1pm

  • Keighley Bus Station, Bow Street, Keighley - Tuesday 9 December: 10am-1pm

Log-on to a webinar

Can’t make it to an event, or prefer to join online? We’ll be hosting free online Zoom webinar on Tuesday 2 December at 6 - 7pm to give you an opportunity to learn more about the plans and ask the project team any questions.

Mayor's Question Time

West Yorkshire Mayor’s Question Time is an opportunity to meet the Mayor, Tracy Brabin and ask her a question about regional issues that affect your community. The On Board Buses project team will also be there to answer any questions and paper questionnaires available and submit via our freepost address. These are pre-registered events and you will need to book your place before attending:

  • Tuesday 25 November 6.30pm - 8pm (doors open at 6pm) at Fresh Futures, Brian Jackson House, 2 New North Parade, HD1 5JP register now
  • Tuesday 2 December 6.30pm - 8pm (doors open at 6pm) at Bradford Arts Centre, St Peter's House, 1 Forster Court, Bradford, BD1 4TY register now

Contact us and accessibility

All events will be held in accessible venues. Please let us know if you have specific access needs.

If you would like to contact us or request a paper version of the questionnaire or information in an alternative format you can: 

  • Email yourvoice@westyorks-ca.gov.uk 

  • Phone MetroLine on 0113 245 7676 

  • Write to FREEPOST WEST YORKSHIRE COMBINED AUTHORITY (no stamp needed)

Next steps

After the public consultation has closed, your feedback will be analysed and considered to support the decision on the final bus designs.

The first franchised buses are proposed to be on the road from April 2027. They will form a key part of an integrated Weaver Network, bringing together buses, trains, walking, wheeling and cycling routes to connect communities, improve access to jobs and open up new opportunities.  

You will start to see the Weaver Network on public transport as we repair, replace, upgrade and invest in the travel network. 

A new region-wide franchised network will see bus fares, routes and timetables set by the Combined Authority, forming a key part of a joined-up Weaver Network that meets the needs of passengers, helps businesses thrive and offers seamless and reliable travel. There will be further opportunities to have your say on other key elements, such as ticketing, fares and routes, as the Weaver Network continues to take shape.

What’s on board? Have your say on the design of our new buses

We’re designing new buses for the Weaver Network and we want your input to make sure the key internal features meet your needs.

Background

Changes are coming to West Yorkshire’s transport network.

We’re bringing buses back under local control in the biggest shake-up of our region’s transport network in decades. This will put the public at the heart of our Weaver Network, ensuring that West Yorkshire gets the network it deserves. We want to shape the network with you and we are seeking your views to make this happen from April 2027, including investing in the new Weaver Network buses.

We are asking you to help shape some features on the new buses, including:

  • Connecting on the go (wi-fi and charging your device)

  • Staying comfortable with the right temperature and seat fabric

  • Seating for those who need it most

  • Accessibility, including ramps and space for wheelchair users and prams

  • Other features such as flooring, audio alerts telling you the journey progress and stops and display screens

                                       
Take part in the questionnaire here

Zero-emission buses

Cleaner, greener travel is on the way.

A deposit of almost £30 million has been approved to ensure that a new fleet of publicly owned zero emission electric buses will be delivered in time for the first franchised services starting in April 2027.


Our investment in new electric buses will improve your journey by raising standards: enhancing accessibility, comfort and connectivity on the go, whilst reducing emissions. This is an important step towards a bus service that works for our customers now and in the future.



Staying connected

Our phones are part of our everyday life. Would charging your phone or accessing Wi-Fi make your journey better? Tell us what matters most so we can design a bus with the right on-board features.

Comfort

We know that comfort means different things to different people. Whether it’s the temperature inside the bus or the seat you’re sitting on, we want to make sure your journey feels just right.

With our new zero-emission buses, we’ll be able to better manage onboard temperatures - keeping buses warm in winter and cool in summer. Should buses stay at a steady room-like temperature or adjust based on the weather outside? You tell us.

We’re also reviewing seat materials to make sure they’re supportive and pleasant for all customers. Your views will help us choose the right options.



Improved accessibility

We know the onboard experience is not consistent for bus customers across the region, that current standards and quality of buses are not equal across the region and we want to change this.

We want to ensure that you can travel in comfort, with buses designed with your needs in mind. We are exploring three layout options aiming to improve space and access that we would like your feedback on: Audio and Visual Announcements 

When you’re on the bus, it’s important to know where you are, where the bus is going and what the upcoming stops are. Our audio announcements and visual screens will tell you this information. There could be multiple screens to show the next stop and whether the bus will be stopping there, as well as audio announcements to let you know. The visual screens could also be used to provide identification of the route, the direction of the bus, and the beginning of any diversions.

Flooring 

Flooring design matters, especially for people with sight loss and people with dementia. For people with dementia, a dark patch on a floor can be mistaken for a hole and a glossy surface might be seen as being wet. Any changes in surface texture or colour can be mistaken for changes in levels in the bus. Bold and pronounced patterns can be confusing or over stimulating for people with sight loss or who have sensory/neurological processing difficulties. We want to understand what is important to you when stepping onto a Weaver Network bus.


How you can get involved

Whether you use buses regularly or not, your views matter. You can get involved:

  • Complete our questionnaire by 11.59pm on 21 December 2025

  • Join us at an event

Your feedback will help to shape the final vehicle specifications.

                      
Take part in the questionnaire here


Join a drop-in event

Want to feedback on what the inside of the future buses could look like? Drop by to meet the team, explore the bus designs and share your thoughts.

Paper questionnaires will also be available to take home and submit via our freepost address.

  • Wakefield Bus Station, Union Street, Wakefield - Tuesday 18 November: 11am-3pm

  • Bradford Interchange, Bridge Street, Bradford - Wednesday 19 November: 3pm-6pm

  • White Rose Shopping Centre, Leeds - Tuesday 25 November: 10am-1pm

  • Leeds Bus Station, York Street, Leeds - Saturday 29 November: 10am-2pm

  • Trinity Walk Shopping Centre, Wakefield - Monday 1 December: 10am-1pm

  • Huddersfield Bus Station, Upper Row, Huddersfield - Tuesday 2 December: 8am-11am

  • Halifax Bus Station, Wade Street, Halifax - Thursday 4 December: 2pm-6pm

  • Halifax Borough Market, 19 Borough Street, Halifax - Friday 5 December: 11am-3pm

  • Junction 32 Yorkshire Outlet, Castleford - Monday 8 December: 10am-1pm

  • Pontefract Bus Station, Horsefair, Pontefract - Tuesday 9 December: 9am-1pm

  • Keighley Bus Station, Bow Street, Keighley - Tuesday 9 December: 10am-1pm

Log-on to a webinar

Can’t make it to an event, or prefer to join online? We’ll be hosting free online Zoom webinar on Tuesday 2 December at 6 - 7pm to give you an opportunity to learn more about the plans and ask the project team any questions.

Mayor's Question Time

West Yorkshire Mayor’s Question Time is an opportunity to meet the Mayor, Tracy Brabin and ask her a question about regional issues that affect your community. The On Board Buses project team will also be there to answer any questions and paper questionnaires available and submit via our freepost address. These are pre-registered events and you will need to book your place before attending:

  • Tuesday 25 November 6.30pm - 8pm (doors open at 6pm) at Fresh Futures, Brian Jackson House, 2 New North Parade, HD1 5JP register now
  • Tuesday 2 December 6.30pm - 8pm (doors open at 6pm) at Bradford Arts Centre, St Peter's House, 1 Forster Court, Bradford, BD1 4TY register now

Contact us and accessibility

All events will be held in accessible venues. Please let us know if you have specific access needs.

If you would like to contact us or request a paper version of the questionnaire or information in an alternative format you can: 

  • Email yourvoice@westyorks-ca.gov.uk 

  • Phone MetroLine on 0113 245 7676 

  • Write to FREEPOST WEST YORKSHIRE COMBINED AUTHORITY (no stamp needed)

Next steps

After the public consultation has closed, your feedback will be analysed and considered to support the decision on the final bus designs.

The first franchised buses are proposed to be on the road from April 2027. They will form a key part of an integrated Weaver Network, bringing together buses, trains, walking, wheeling and cycling routes to connect communities, improve access to jobs and open up new opportunities.  

You will start to see the Weaver Network on public transport as we repair, replace, upgrade and invest in the travel network. 

A new region-wide franchised network will see bus fares, routes and timetables set by the Combined Authority, forming a key part of a joined-up Weaver Network that meets the needs of passengers, helps businesses thrive and offers seamless and reliable travel. There will be further opportunities to have your say on other key elements, such as ticketing, fares and routes, as the Weaver Network continues to take shape.

Ask us a question

Ask us a question and the project team will get back to you. 

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  • Share I was disappointed to read in the FAQs that multi-door buses will probably be ruled out due to the type of bus shelters used. Not all stops have shelters and most of them are the open fronted style. Furthermore, we’ll be stuck with the buses we buy now for some years to come. If we are serious about reducing dwell times at stops to improve reliability, is it not incredibly short-sighted to miss this opportunity to adopt the multi-door layout? on Facebook Share I was disappointed to read in the FAQs that multi-door buses will probably be ruled out due to the type of bus shelters used. Not all stops have shelters and most of them are the open fronted style. Furthermore, we’ll be stuck with the buses we buy now for some years to come. If we are serious about reducing dwell times at stops to improve reliability, is it not incredibly short-sighted to miss this opportunity to adopt the multi-door layout? on Twitter Share I was disappointed to read in the FAQs that multi-door buses will probably be ruled out due to the type of bus shelters used. Not all stops have shelters and most of them are the open fronted style. Furthermore, we’ll be stuck with the buses we buy now for some years to come. If we are serious about reducing dwell times at stops to improve reliability, is it not incredibly short-sighted to miss this opportunity to adopt the multi-door layout? on Linkedin Email I was disappointed to read in the FAQs that multi-door buses will probably be ruled out due to the type of bus shelters used. Not all stops have shelters and most of them are the open fronted style. Furthermore, we’ll be stuck with the buses we buy now for some years to come. If we are serious about reducing dwell times at stops to improve reliability, is it not incredibly short-sighted to miss this opportunity to adopt the multi-door layout? link

    I was disappointed to read in the FAQs that multi-door buses will probably be ruled out due to the type of bus shelters used. Not all stops have shelters and most of them are the open fronted style. Furthermore, we’ll be stuck with the buses we buy now for some years to come. If we are serious about reducing dwell times at stops to improve reliability, is it not incredibly short-sighted to miss this opportunity to adopt the multi-door layout?

    blzeebus asked 23 days ago

    Thank you for your question. Whilst some bus stops would permit double-door bus operation, many of our bus shelters, particularly in town and city-centres are built with the screen at the roadside, preventing double-door bus operation. This layout is usually due to narrow footpath width which means with a bus shelter there would not be enough space available behind for pedestrians walking past the bus stop who aren’t using it. For double door buses to operate, we would need to make every stop on that route capable.

    We are aware that there are several benefits to double-door buses, particularly the reduction in time getting on and off the buses and this benefit would be felt most in the town and city centre where space issues are. We will always keep an open mind to double-door buses and keep this topic under constant review.

  • Share Are you going to consult drivers about the franchising? I personally think you should, whilst I agree it's important to get passengers feedback, as a passenger myself I have already responded, but I think what drivers want should be taken into account as well, as an example I think the buses should have protective screens like First bus already have. Also there is a wealth of valuable experience amongst us drivers, we would be able to offer countless ideas to improve the service and experience of using public transport for passengers and drivers a like, I personally have a few ideas. on Facebook Share Are you going to consult drivers about the franchising? I personally think you should, whilst I agree it's important to get passengers feedback, as a passenger myself I have already responded, but I think what drivers want should be taken into account as well, as an example I think the buses should have protective screens like First bus already have. Also there is a wealth of valuable experience amongst us drivers, we would be able to offer countless ideas to improve the service and experience of using public transport for passengers and drivers a like, I personally have a few ideas. on Twitter Share Are you going to consult drivers about the franchising? I personally think you should, whilst I agree it's important to get passengers feedback, as a passenger myself I have already responded, but I think what drivers want should be taken into account as well, as an example I think the buses should have protective screens like First bus already have. Also there is a wealth of valuable experience amongst us drivers, we would be able to offer countless ideas to improve the service and experience of using public transport for passengers and drivers a like, I personally have a few ideas. on Linkedin Email Are you going to consult drivers about the franchising? I personally think you should, whilst I agree it's important to get passengers feedback, as a passenger myself I have already responded, but I think what drivers want should be taken into account as well, as an example I think the buses should have protective screens like First bus already have. Also there is a wealth of valuable experience amongst us drivers, we would be able to offer countless ideas to improve the service and experience of using public transport for passengers and drivers a like, I personally have a few ideas. link

    Are you going to consult drivers about the franchising? I personally think you should, whilst I agree it's important to get passengers feedback, as a passenger myself I have already responded, but I think what drivers want should be taken into account as well, as an example I think the buses should have protective screens like First bus already have. Also there is a wealth of valuable experience amongst us drivers, we would be able to offer countless ideas to improve the service and experience of using public transport for passengers and drivers a like, I personally have a few ideas.

    Bill Hicks asked 19 days ago

    We fully agree that drivers need to be part of shaping our new buses. We are consulting with drivers via the union, Unite. We are holding two sessions to give drivers the opportunity to talk about the topics raised in the questionnaire, the drivers cab, and anything else they think we need to know.

Page last updated: 26 Nov 2025, 12:53 PM