Millions approved for fleet of public e-buses

A MULTI-MILLION pound investment in a new fleet of publicly owned, zero emission electric buses has been approved by West Yorkshire’s council leaders - and Kirklees will be among the first to benefit.

- By ABIGAIL MARLOW

A new region-wide franchised network will see bus fares, routes and timetables set by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, forming a key part of an integrated Weaver Network.

The Combined Authority has already started the procurement process for selecting operators, through a range of different contract types and sizes, to run services on its behalf.

Operators are currently being invited to bid for the first round of contracts, covering Kirklees and parts of Leeds.

Strides were also made last week when Combined Authority committee members approved a deposit of £30m to ensure the vehicles will be delivered in time for the first franchised services starting in April 2027.