A new fleet of electric buses destined for West Yorkshire has been unveiled ahead of their introduction from next year.
The vehicles form part of the publicly operated Weaver Network, a scheme that has been prioritised by West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin.
The mayor recently toured the Wrightbus manufacturing facility in Northern Ireland, where the first images of the new fleet were released.
Wrightbus secured the contract in May to supply nearly 200 battery-powered buses following a competitive tendering process.
These will constitute the initial vehicles in an authority-owned fleet to be operated under a franchising model.
The buses will be rented to operators rather than owned outright by them.
Under the franchising arrangement, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority will assume direct oversight of bus services, including responsibility for determining ticket prices and route planning.
Authority officials have stated that this structure should result in improved service reliability for passengers.
The rollout will commence in parts of West Yorkshire during spring.
Bradford is not expected to receive the new vehicles until late 2028.
Onboard amenities comprise USB charging points, climate control systems, designated areas for wheelchair users, and adaptable spaces suitable for prams and luggage.
Residents were invited to provide feedback on the vehicle specifications during a consultation conducted earlier this year.
Seating upholstery will be supplied by Camira Fabrics, a textile manufacturer based in West Yorkshire.
During the factory visit, Ms Brabin commented that infrastructure improvements were already visible across the region, citing new bus shelters and the opening of Heckmondwike Bus Station.
She noted that observing the electric buses on the production line represented another milestone in the transition towards franchising before the vehicles begin operating throughout the region’s urban and rural areas.
Christian Reynolds, Managing Director of Wrightbus, stated that the company was honoured to be manufacturing the Weaver Network fleet in Northern Ireland and welcomed the mayor’s visit to observe the construction process.
He indicated that the buses would make a significant contribution to public transport in West Yorkshire and that the manufacturer was collaborating closely with the Combined Authority to ensure the vehicles met expectations for quality, comfort, and accessibility.
The announcement coincides with the formal signing of initial contracts for the network.
A combination of operators has been appointed to run services in Kirklees and Leeds, which will become the first operational routes under the new arrangement.