West Yorkshire bus franchising

[GatwickDepress]

As a Bradfordian, absolutely not!

It would be worth it just to annoy you though. West Yorkshire? I think you mean the People's Republic of Greater Leodis.

The old Bradford City Transport blue and cream was a very attractive scheme, mind. I would have preferred that over the rather dull green they've chosen - the First heritage repaint they did a few years back proved it still looks good on modern buses.

 

[JasonL]

You do in Southport.

I’m sure it’s massively off topic but the accents in that part of the world really interest me. St Helens is definitely Scouse but, ten miles up the road in Wigan, it’s the exact opposite.

Anyway. As a proud Bradfordian, sticking Leeds branding on the buses would be awful. It was bad enough when the PTE chose green instead of blue!

St. Helens isn't scouse. People in Liverpool and Knowlsey wouldn't have St. Helens being scouse. They call people from St. Helens wools

 

[stevieinselby]

I completely agree. I don’t know what is wrong with ‘MetroBus’, as it was branded back in PTE days.

Go-Ahead's Surrey and Sussex-based division might have something to say about that.
And again, it's a nothing name. Any metropolitan area could call its network Metrobus, it has nothing that ties it explicitly to West Yorkshire.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Go-Ahead's Surrey and Sussex-based division might have something to say about that.
And again, it's a nothing name. Any metropolitan area could call its network Metrobus, it has nothing that ties it explicitly to West Yorkshire.

Interestingly Merseyside seems to be moving *to* Metro and away from the local brand! Metro in that case is I believe meant to refer to the Metro Mayor who will be in control of it (it's structured a bit differently from West Yorks).

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Go-Ahead's Surrey and Sussex-based division might have something to say about that.
And again, it's a nothing name. Any metropolitan area could call its network Metrobus, it has nothing that ties it explicitly to West Yorkshire.

I doubt Go Ahead would say anything... They'll be busy tendering for it!! If they want to look at the past... maybe they should call it Flagship or Superbus Of course, if you know where to look, you can still find some old Metro branding from the 1980s!!

Just my opinion but the metropolitan areas really do struggle with branding. Bee Network is a really washed out colour, this Weaver network is going to be difficult to maintain, though nothing is as bad as when Nexus decided battleship grey was the way forward - something that NX WM have now emulated. Always thought Merseyside was the best in terms of image and that was before their new livery.

 

[tomoufc]

I think @Tetchytyke has it with Metro... Yes, it's not exactly ground-breaking but it has local recognition already. By all means, update the logo and the colour scheme though, in truth, I'd be happy if they kept red as the house colours (fewer bus shelters to repaint) and have a smart red livery!

I’ve never really understood the Metro branding. I think most people associate it with rapid transit of various kinds.

 

[Bletchleyite]

I’ve never really understood the Metro branding. I think most people associate it with rapid transit of various kinds.

To be honest I thought it looked really dated in the 1990s. I guess Merseyside has more sense using it as Merseyrail actually is a metro of sorts.

Mind you there was also MK Metro, which wasn't really one at all but rather a collection of bread van minibuses on infrequent, windy suburban routes.

 

[GatwickDepress]

The announcement has appeared on the West Yorkshire Combined Authority website:

12 May 2025
The modern brand will offer a single branding for passengers, making it easier and more accessible, however they choose to travel around the region.

It follows extensive work to explore the region’s cultural identity, including the involvement of poet laureate and West Yorkshire resident Simon Armitage.

The Weaver Network name is inspired by the region's industrial past and visually reflects the cultural fabric of modern-day West Yorkshire. It will drive forward an overriding ambition to improve lives by connecting people with places.

The new brand was officially unveiled by Mayor Tracy Brabin and West Yorkshire's five council leaders at Millennium Square in Leeds this morning (Monday 12 May).

To be cost effective, the brand will be gradually introduced, starting with existing planned replacements at bus stops and stations. The branding will then be rolled out further when buses are taken under local control from 2027, before being included on the planned West Yorkshire tram system, for which construction work will start in 2028.

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: “For too long, our region has suffered from a disjointed, confusing, and increasingly hard to navigate public transport system.

“The Weaver Network is a fresh, modern identity for transport in West Yorkshire, reflecting our greater powers through devolution, as well as our ongoing work to bring buses back under public control and create a fully-integrated mass transit network.

“This will help us on our journey to creating a transport system that is easier to use, and demonstrates our ambition to create a better-connected region that works for all.”
West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee chair Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe said: “Our role within public transport in the region is constantly evolving – the Metro brand was created in 1974, and our organisation’s roles and responsibilities have changed immeasurably since then.

“With the Mayor's decision to take back control of the bus network, we are now moving towards a fully integrated transport network under one brand, replacing about 19 different brands currently in use. The Weaver Network will reflect a public transport network that the region can be proud of, while helping the public to understand who is responsible for helping them travel to where they need to be."

Simon Armitage, national Poet Laureate and West Yorkshire resident said: “I was pleased and proud to be part of a conversation about the naming of the future transport network - I’m West Yorkshire born and bred, a public transport user, a geography graduate and a poet - in many ways it was the perfect invitation.

“To me, The Weaver Network name symbolises the threads connecting people with places, shuttling to and fro, built on heritage and creating new ties and links.”
A decision was taken by the Combined Authority in January 2025 to retire the Metro brand and related identities such as Leeds Park and Ride, and CityConnect, and adopt a new brand and identity to be used across an integrated transport network for West Yorkshire.

The Weaver Network will unify public transport and active travel modes, as well as simplifying fares, travel information and journey planning.

The transition will be rolled out gradually in step with the three phases of the bus franchising programme. To ensure value for money roll out will start on a repair and replace basis, making use of existing capital spending schemes.
A report setting out the transition from the Metro to the Weaver Network brand will be brought to a future Combined Authority meeting.

For Info

• The Metro network identity will not be disappearing immediately – tickets and passes will continue to work, and our services will remain the same and passengers will be able to contact us through the usual channels. Call MetroLine on 0113 245 7676 between 7am and 8pm Monday to Saturday or 8am to 8pm on Sunday for information on services, or visit https://www.wymetro.com/contact-us/metroline/.
• The Combined Authority is working to create a franchised bus network, whereby the bus network and the majority of services will be locally-controlled. This will mean the Combined Authority sets routes, timetables, fares, and standards.
• As well as celebrating our industrial textile heritage, the Weaver Network represents the cultural diversity that makes up the fabric of West Yorkshire, inspired by the region’s geography, nature, artists and culture.
• The first franchised bus services are expected to be in operation by March 2027.

 

[The exile]

Go-Ahead's Surrey and Sussex-based division might have something to say about that.
And again, it's a nothing name. Any metropolitan area could call its network Metrobus, it has nothing that ties it explicitly to West Yorkshire.

And given the fact that they hope that there will soon be trams in the mix as well, choosing a name that includes “bus” would be a bit shortsighted.

 

[Fox192]

And given the fact that they hope that there will soon be trams in the mix as well, choosing a name that includes “bus” would be a bit shortsighted.

I feel sorry for anywhere that gets go ahead, terrible company

 

[Bletchleyite]

I feel sorry for anywhere that gets go ahead, terrible company

To be honest local management has more of an impact than which group is in charge.

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

I feel sorry for anywhere that gets go ahead, terrible company

To be honest local management has more of an impact than which group is in charge.

@Bletchleyite is absolutely right. In fact, I think you'd be hard pressed to find a greater differential in quality etc within one group. I assume that @Fox192 is basing their view on Go North East/East Yorkshire. If you were to experience Brighton & Hove/Metrobus, or Go South Coast, your views would be markedly different. Same with Oxford Bus (and dare I say it, they're beginning to get Carousel sorted now). Go North West took on work within Bee Network (Tranche 1 mainly so there were some additional bits later) and whilst there were some wobbles initially, it went reasonably well.

Conversely, Metroline are very highly regarded in London so naturally their takeover in Manchester would be peerless... Let's just see what the joys of public procurement bring

 

[asw22]

It would be worth it just to annoy you though. West Yorkshire? I think you mean the People's Republic of Greater Leodis.

The old Bradford City Transport blue and cream was a very attractive scheme, mind. I would have preferred that over the rather dull green they've chosen - the First heritage repaint they did a few years back proved it still looks good on modern buses.

Maybe K&D big K livery for Keighley, Rider Bradford / Leeds / Huddersfield / Halifax type liveries and new identities for Wakefield, Dewsbury and Castleford. What proportion of bus journeys are local (within an area) vs between two plus towns?

 

[nr758123]

To me Weaver is associated with the River Weaver which is in Cheshire.

My initial thought, from the heading "Leave It To Weaver" in today's Northern Agenda e-mail, was that it was something to do with Jackie Weaver of Handforth Parish Council fame.

 

[Bletchleyite]

My initial thought, from the heading "Leave It To Weaver" in today's Northern Agenda e-mail, was that it was something to do with Jackie Weaver of Handforth Parish Council fame.

So that's two votes for Cheshire....West Yorkshire, nil points!

(Well, Eurovision is next weekend...)

 

[ClydeCoaster]

I assume that is just for the launch event, rather than creating a big maintenance job if she doesn't get re-elected?

Given that her name is actually part of the logo for the WYCA I doubt it. Like Dan Norris' name on Westbus, which must have been quickly removed...and not just for "replaced at election" purposes... Ironic that this article from the BBC insinuates having a Mayor's actual name stamped on public projects is somewhat suspect.

As for the livery, echoing comments above, if you don't care about the cost/hassle of replacing a logo if the person's name changes (not just on buses), why bother thinking about replacing the occasional damaged lower panel?

 

[Pyewipecarshed]

I’ve never really understood the Metro branding. I think most people associate it with rapid transit of various kinds.

To be fair anyone who travelled on First Quickstep's routes in Leeds back in the day would agree that they were rapid transit... very rapid!!

 

[JKP]

I'm not saying it's famous, I'm just saying the term doesn't create an association with the Leeds area in my mind. It's not even as obviously associated as if Lancashire decided to set up the "Wool Network". (yes, I know, this is perjorative, but it's probably closer associated!)

For Lancashire, Ribble might be more appropriate! Oh, that has been used before.

 

[tbtc]

It's a fine name and colour, albeit a very 'busy' livery on the launch bus, but expect that to be toned down significantly before 2027: eye-catching is great for publicity images but doesn't work so well with damaged panels

Green is a colour associated public transport in West Yorkshire. Yorkshire Rider, West Riding Automobile Company, Leeds City Transport, Kingfisher in Huddersfield, the last decade of First's local livery for Leeds etc, it was even the color on early Neville Hill Pacers (before the red livery was adopted)

AFAICS it isn't the color of any of West Yorkshire's (major) football/ rugby league teams, so avoids the negativity you'd get with white/ blue/ yellow/ claret

Weaver is a traditional word, short but identifiable, it's not based on a convoluted acronym, there's no confusion over how to pronounce/spell it, it covers a lot of West Yorkshire without being too identified with one town (compared to owls/ rhubarb etc), and it's a fairly *West* Yorkshire word, rather than a word particularly associated with all of Yorkshire

It feels fairly organic, rather that something dreamt up by an expensive advertising agency

A predominantly dark livery probably works better on modern buses, with their massive windows/ destination screens etc that spoil the Manchester yellow

Obviously some enthusiasts with try to have fun with Weaver soundalikes or initials, just like every railway acronym ever became a backronym, tee hee), but you can just imagine the problems with schoolboy humour if you used 'White' Rose as a name

(rhyming slang aside, White Rose is the name of various local businesses as well as the shopping center, so wouldn't work)

Plus, perhaps more importantly, calling it Weaver means they can use a big W as a logo, which makes sense for *West* Yorkshire

Simon Armitage tells a typically engaging story about shuttling around, Weaver is an industrial word, a busy word, just like the blurb about the industriousness of bees in Manchester

As always though, it's the funding and the implementation that matters most. Let's see how they deal with the many competing demands. Easy to blame Arriva etc, using the yardstick of eighties frequencies/ demands, of course, but maybe harder in reality to deliver something quantifiably better for passengers

 

[Simon75]

The bee is a symbol of Manchester and has been for ages (and even more prominently since the terrorist attacks on the Arena a few years back). A cut off W isn't a symbol of Yorkshire, and the Weaver is a river in Cheshire

Northwich has a suburb called Weaverham.
The bee logo has always been a trademark of Boddingtons brewery

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

I’ve never really understood the Metro branding. I think most people associate it with rapid transit of various kinds.

The Mini Metro was hardly rapid transit. Does a metrosexual suffer from premature ejaculation?

Metro is short for metropolitan in most instances in which it is used and would be here.

Green is a colour associated public transport in West Yorkshire. Yorkshire Rider, West Riding Automobile Company, Leeds City Transport, Kingfisher in Huddersfield, the last decade of First's local livery for Leeds etc, it was even the color on early Neville Hill Pacers (before the red livery was adopted)

Indeed, though the argument can be made for red - Yorkshire Woollen, Yorkshire Traction, Huddersfield Corpy, West Yorkshire Road Car and, for much of the 1970s, West Riding, were all red. And there's no major sports teams in red... you've got claret/burgundy with Bradford City/Huddersfield Giants but it's not red.

I don't mind the green (just that the vinyls are overly complex and won't be practical) but just seems a bit daft in having a departure from an existing colour and name that really just needs updating.

 

[tomoufc]

Metro is short for metropolitan in most instances in which it is used and would be here.

It can of course be used in different ways, but in most places in the world Metro relates to rapid transit in the context of transport branding. Perhaps the initial influence of the Metropolitan Railway and Paris’s Métropolitain have been crucial in that regard?

But we are surely going off topic!

 

[Bletchleyite]

Given that her name is actually part of the logo for the WYCA I doubt it. Like Dan Norris' name on Westbus, which must have been quickly removed...and not just for "replaced at election" purposes... Ironic that this article from the BBC insinuates having a Mayor's actual name stamped on public projects is somewhat suspect.

Fairly notable that on TfL publicity the phrase "Mayor of London" is used but not his name, and the logo and styling is the same as it has been from the start.

 

[Man of Kent]

Given that her name is actually part of the logo for the WYCA I doubt it. Like Dan Norris' name on Westbus, which must have been quickly removed...and not just for "replaced at election" purposes

Dan Norris' name remained on Westbus-branded buses in Bristol last week (but not the new electrics at Weston super Mare, as they were part-funded by North Somerset Council). It will be difficult to fit the name of his successor, Helen Godwin, into the same space.

 

[Steve440]

It's a fine name and colour, albeit a very 'busy' livery on the launch bus, but expect that to be toned down significantly before 2027: eye-catching is great for publicity images but doesn't work so well with damaged panels

Green is a colour associated public transport in West Yorkshire. Yorkshire Rider, West Riding Automobile Company, Leeds City Transport, Kingfisher in Huddersfield, the last decade of First's local livery for Leeds etc, it was even the color on early Neville Hill Pacers (before the red livery was adopted)

AFAICS it isn't the color of any of West Yorkshire's (major) football/ rugby league teams, so avoids the negativity you'd get with white/ blue/ yellow/ claret

Weaver is a traditional word, short but identifiable, it's not based on a convoluted acronym, there's no confusion over how to pronounce/spell it, it covers a lot of West Yorkshire without being too identified with one town (compared to owls/ rhubarb etc), and it's a fairly *West* Yorkshire word, rather than a word particularly associated with all of Yorkshire

It feels fairly organic, rather that something dreamt up by an expensive advertising agency

A predominantly dark livery probably works better on modern buses, with their massive windows/ destination screens etc that spoil the Manchester yellow

Obviously some enthusiasts with try to have fun with Weaver soundalikes or initials, just like every railway acronym ever became a backronym, tee hee), but you can just imagine the problems with schoolboy humour if you used 'White' Rose as a name

(rhyming slang aside, White Rose is the name of various local businesses as well as the shopping center, so wouldn't work)

Plus, perhaps more importantly, calling it Weaver means they can use a big W as a logo, which makes sense for *West* Yorkshire

Simon Armitage tells a typically engaging story about shuttling around, Weaver is an industrial word, a busy word, just like the blurb about the industriousness of bees in Manchester

As always though, it's the funding and the implementation that matters most. Let's see how they deal with the many competing demands. Easy to blame Arriva etc, using the yardstick of eighties frequencies/ demands, of course, but maybe harder in reality to deliver something quantifiably better for passengers

That's a brilliant post and I agree with all you say!

 

[Tetchytyke]

Fairly notable that on TfL publicity the phrase "Mayor of London" is used but not his name, and the logo and styling is the same as it has been from the start.

And that’s how it should be. It should be the WYCA Mayor on the branding, not the name of a specific politician who happens to hold that post for now.

Sadly it seems the fashion for politicians to slap their names over public projects, and nobody seems minded to make them stop.

 

[Mrwerdna1]

Not bad, the branding probably sits somewhere between the Bee Network and Liverpool Metrobus branding for me, the latter being my favourite so far. I do really like the green colour, though I'm not sure about the Mayor's name being on the bus and not sure about the lower panel either, but it's nothing terrible. Overall, pretty good.

Thinking about West Midlands, where I expect an announcement on branding within the next year or so, it would be cool to develop some variant of the National Express West Midlands branding. I really like the grey and black with a splash of red. Though I doubt this would work, both for PR and legal reasons. Maybe some variant of blue then, if the Midlands Metro is anything to go by? If that were the case, we'd have franchised bus systems with yellow, green, blue and red liveries. Very nice.

 

[Bletchleyite]

There's already a West Midlands Bus brand in use on some contracted services, It's a red based version of the "diamonds" livery on the Class 730s. So it'll be that.

 

[GreenFlag]

Honestly, the brand name really is awful. Nostalgia does seem to be fashionable, but basing a brand on a local industry that is all but dead hardly matches the 'modern' talk of the press release. Having a geographical name would have been more sensible, and doesn't require a press release to explain what it's all about. As for the mayor's name, I can't help but think it has ego all over it. She is of course a former actress, and performers are not always known for their modesty. As others have noted, much more sensible to link projects such as this to the office (and team) that delivers it, not an individual.

 

[Mrwerdna1]

There's already a West Midlands Bus brand in use on some contracted services, It's a red based version of the "diamonds" livery on the Class 730s. So it'll be that.

You mean this one? I'm not certain they'll keep it but perhaps you're right. Seems like a bit of a missed opportunity, not integrating the liveries of bus and tram. Unlike in Manchester or, now, in Leeds.

Honestly, the brand name really is awful. Nostalgia does seem to be fashionable, but basing a brand on a local industry that is all but dead hardly matches the 'modern' talk of the press release. Having a geographical name would have been more sensible, and doesn't require a press release to explain what it's all about. As for the mayor's name, I can't help but think it has ego all over it. She is of course a former actress, and performers are not always known for their modesty. As others have noted, much more sensible to link projects such as this to the office (and team) that delivers it, not an individual.

Yeah, definitely an ego project, I mean what else could it be? I personally quite like seeing the logo of West Yorkshire Combined Authority on there, as with TfGM on Bee Network Buses or Liverpool City Region on Metrobus, but definitely no need to add the mayor's name...