New buses to provide free disabled travel

Disabled bus passengers will be able to travel for free at any time of day following a shake-up of regional transport services.

Bus services are being taken under control of West Yorkshire Combined Authority from next year, and will be rebranded as the Weaver Network.

It has been announced that disabled pass holders across West Yorkshire will be able to travel for free at any time of day when the first Weaver Network buses hit the road.

Currently, disabled and companion pass holders must purchase a full fare before 09:30 on weekdays, meaning many are not able to travel to work or school for free.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the change will be introduced in Wakefield from May this year, allowing the Combined Authority to test its impact ahead of a region-wide roll-out.

The cost to WYCA of the Wakefield trial scheme is expected to be £241,500 in the coming financial year.

Rolling out the scheme to the rest of West Yorkshire in the 2027/28 financial year will cost an additional £941,000 for 12 months.

A report to Thursday's WYCA meeting said: "This cost comprises of both the need to reimburse bus operators in non-franchised parts of the region, and the potential fare box revenue foregone for the franchised elements of the network."

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: "Having a disability should not limit your ability to access work. You asked and we have listened – allowing disabled people to travel for free before 09:30 will lift barriers to opportunity and help to grow our economy by better-connecting people to jobs and training.

"We are building the bus network the people of our region deserve by investing millions to improve journeys for passengers.

"The Weaver Network and its buses will be the pride of West Yorkshire."

Details of the new bus fleet specification have also been published following last year's onboard buses consultation.

New buses will feature electric-powered accessible ramps, space for two wheelchairs plus an additional flexible space for a pushchair or larger luggage, and USB type‑A and type‑C charging points at every seat.

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.