West Yorkshire Lifts Peak-Hour Fare Barriers
West Yorkshire removes morning peak fare restrictions for disabled bus pass holders
West Yorkshire Lifts Free Bus Travel Limits
Disabled pass holders in West Yorkshire will soon ride buses free at any time of day, removing a restriction that's required full fares before 9:30am on weekdays. The change is part of the region's new Weaver Network, which Mayor Tracy Brabin announced as part of bringing public transport back under public control for the first time in nearly 40 years. The West Yorkshire Combined Authority will manage bus routes, frequencies, fares and standards under the new franchised system.
Context
The policy shift addresses a longstanding barrier for disabled riders who've had to pay full fare during morning peak hours, limiting access to early appointments, jobs and training opportunities. Transit officials said the move aligns with broader efforts to make public transport more accessible and equitable across the region. The change will be tested in Wakefield from May this year before a region-wide rollout, though officials haven't specified an exact timeline for when all areas will see the new policy. West Yorkshire's bringing buses under public control marks a significant shift in how the region manages transit after decades of private operation.
Details
The Weaver Network includes substantial infrastructure investments beyond the fare policy change. Plans for a new £60 million zero-emission-ready bus depot in Wakefield are moving forward, while a £28 million refurbishment of Huddersfield Bus Station is expected to receive final approval. Additional investments include improvements to bus access on Woodhouse Lane in Leeds and Wakefield Road in Bradford. Improvements to bus lanes and stops on Beckett Street in Leeds will boost access to St James' Hospital. The distinctive green Weaver buses will arrive on the region's roads next year, officials said.
Timeline
Wakefield will serve as the testing ground for the new franchised system starting in May this year, with the free all-day travel for disabled pass holders rolling out as part of that pilot. The green Weaver buses are scheduled to arrive next year, though officials haven't provided specific months for when different areas will see the new vehicles. The region-wide expansion timeline beyond the Wakefield pilot wasn't detailed in available information.
Impact
Mayor Brabin said allowing disabled people to travel free before 9:30am will lift barriers to opportunity and help grow the economy by better-connecting people to jobs and training. The policy change affects thousands of disabled pass holders across West Yorkshire who've previously faced the choice of paying full fare or delaying travel until mid-morning. Riders can track Weaver Network buses and plan trips using Moovit, which provides real-time updates for West Yorkshire's transit system.
