The West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) has ordered 193 battery-electric vehicles from Wrightbus for its franchised Weaver Network, with rollout set to start in mid-2027.
Worth up to £100 million, the purchase captures double- and single-deck models from the StreetDeck Electroliner and GB Kite Electroliner ranges. Each will have twin wheelchair user spaces and flexible accommodation for pushchairs and luggage, the combined authority says. Latest generation batteries will be fitted to maximise range, reports Route One.
Wrightbus will build the Weaver Network buses in Ballymena. Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin says that WYCA is “proud to be buying from a UK firm” and adds that such a position is “another benefit of a publicly-controlled bus network.”
An opening example of a Weaver Network-liveried StreetDeck Electroliner was recently displayed in Leeds. WYCA earlier confirmed that Huddersfield-based supplier Camira will produce seat upholstery for all Weaver Network buses.
Success in West Yorkshire for Wrightbus follows recent purchase of StreetDeck Electroliners for franchised networks in Greater Manchester (for 125 buses, announced yesterday) and the Liverpool City Region. Both StreetDeck and GB Kite Electroliner models are already in service in the deregulated West Yorkshire environment with First Bus.
Says Managing Director Christian Reynolds:
“This award reflects a clear commitment to UK manufacturing and the domestic supply chain in a highly competitive global market. Securing this contract enables us to demonstrate the strength, quality and competitiveness of UK-built zero-emission vehicles.
“For over 80 years, Wrightbus has sustained a nationwide supply chain, and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s successful franchising model ensures that this economic contribution continues – driving investment, innovation and long-term industrial growth in the UK. We are proud to see these vehicles serving key routes in West Yorkshire.”
Contract awards for the first round of bus franchising in the region are expected to be made by the end of June. That opening tranche will capture Dewsbury, Huddersfield, and one of two Leeds zones.
(Picture: WYCA)
