The Weaver Network Board convened for its inaugural meeting, establishing the new governance structure for integrated transport within the Combined Authority. Key discussions focused on bus and rail performance, with updates on operational metrics, customer insights, and future strategic developments, including the upcoming bus franchising and the evolving role of combined authorities in rail reform.

Governance Arrangements

The Board formally adopted its governance arrangements, as approved by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Board on 25 June 2026. These terms of reference outline the Board's broad remit, encompassing the operational aspects of transport and oversight of programmes such as the Weaver Network, integrated travel, mass transit, and bus franchising. The membership was confirmed, with Mayor Tracy Brabin serving as Chair and Councillor Eleanor Thomson as Deputy Chair. The arrangements for quorum and voting were also clarified, stipulating a simple majority is required, with the Mayor or Deputy Mayor needing to be part of that majority for a resolution to pass. Councillor Peter Carlill, a former member of the Transport Committee, welcomed the new board's expanded decision-making powers compared to its predecessor.

Bus Performance Quarterly Update

Tim Taylor, Director of Transport Services, presented a comprehensive update on bus network performance. Patronage continues to decline year-on-year, with a 3.3% decrease in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the previous year, largely driven by a reduction in adult journeys. However, punctuality has improved to 85.4%, and service reliability has also strengthened, with cancellations falling significantly.

Customer insights from the Transport Focus 'Your Bus Journey' survey indicated an overall satisfaction increase to 81% in West Yorkshire, with notable improvements in punctuality and waiting times. However, value for money remains a concern, with satisfaction dropping to 58%. The West Yorkshire Residents' Perceptions of Transport Survey highlighted a persistent gender gap in confidence using buses after dark, with only 39% of women feeling safe compared to 65% of men.

Significant investment is being made in bus station refurbishments, including Heckmondwike, Dewsbury, and Huddersfield. The development of the MCard and Weaver Network apps is progressing, with new features planned, including voluntary age verification and improved journey planning with live tracking. The Board was informed that the national £2 bus fare cap, introduced from January 2027, is being considered in relation to the region's own fare policy and strategy.

Councillor Bob Felstead raised concerns about the lack of detailed condition surveys for bus stations, which he felt were crucial for understanding future capital expenditure. Tim Taylor assured that comprehensive surveys had been conducted and that a priority-based repair process was in place. Councillor Eleanor Thomson highlighted issues with data sharing from bus operators, the gender gap in perceptions of security, and the need for better integrated journey planning. She also raised concerns about the cooling systems on older buses. Tim Taylor acknowledged these points, explaining that franchising would provide more detailed data and that improvements to public realm design and lighting around bus stops were being considered to enhance safety.

Councillor Darren Commons questioned the reasons for falling patronage despite improving punctuality and reliability, and the sustainability of the £120 million annual subsidy. Tim Taylor explained that improved punctuality could sometimes be achieved by stretching timetables, leading to slower journeys. He also detailed the various funding streams contributing to the bus network, including the £45 million for non-commercially viable routes.

Councillor Thomson elaborated on how operators sometimes reduce frequency to improve reliability, and the importance of detailed data analysis to address route-specific issues. Councillor Peter Carlill emphasised the need for transparency in publishing performance data for public scrutiny and for setting clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the franchised network. Councillor Andrew Judson sought assurance that performance data would be a key criterion in the franchising bidding process, not just financial propositions. Mayor Tracy Brabin confirmed that quality and reliability were crucial alongside price in the evaluation criteria.

The Board noted the report, with members encouraged to provide feedback on desired improvements for future oversight and service delivery.

Rail Performance Quarterly Update

Rebecca Cheung, Lead Policy Manager, provided an update on the rail network. Passenger demand for rail services remains strong, with growth across Northern, TransPennine Express (TPE), LNER, and CrossCountry services, particularly for leisure travel.

Northern is proposing changes to its Hull, Leeds, Bradford, and Halifax services to improve reliability, which would involve Hull services terminating at Leeds and the Bradford-Halifax-Huddersfield service extending to Leeds. While this would mean some passengers lose direct services, it is expected to improve overall network performance. Northern is also considering seasonal autumn timetables to manage performance during periods of leaf fall.

Performance metrics show improvements in punctuality for Northern and TPE, although TPE has seen an increase in cancellations due to fleet issues. Significant investment is ongoing in rail infrastructure, including the TransPennine Route Upgrade (TRU), which is progressing despite causing some passenger disruption. New stations at Farr Park and Allen Station are nearing development, with construction potentially starting next year.

The Railways Bill, currently progressing through Parliament, proposes a statutory role for Mayoral Strategic Authorities like West Yorkshire Combined Authority in rail. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed with the rail industry, marking a step towards a future partnership with Great British Railways (GBR). A public-facing Rail Vision Document is being developed to outline how rail can support the Weaver Network.

Councillor Andrew Judson inquired about the authority's stance on reopening the South East Lancashire rail line between Cononley and Skipton, a project supported by the campaign group Selvap. Rebecca Cheung confirmed awareness and support for the initiative but highlighted significant funding challenges requiring government support.

Councillor Peter Carlill commented on his local station, New Pudsey, noting that while direct services to Leeds and Bradford are prioritised, the loss of direct services to Hull would be regrettable for some passengers. He also raised concerns about timetable gaps leading to overcrowding on peak-time trains.

Councillor Darren Commons asked about the potential increase in travel time between Hull and Halifax due to service changes and the view on electrifying the Calder Valley line. Rebecca Cheung stated that journey time details would be provided and that Calder Valley line electrification is a key priority within the rail strategy, with high-level design work ongoing.

Councillor Eleanor Thomson welcomed the growth in rail usage but expressed frustration with the capacity and affordability of CrossCountry services, describing journeys as being like a sardine tin. She also highlighted issues with communication during rail disruptions and the lack of real-time information. Mayor Brabin noted that CrossCountry has invested in longer trains to alleviate capacity issues.

Councillor Keith Anderson shared a poignant account of an incident on a train the previous day, commending the train staff for their professionalism and expressing condolences to the family affected. He emphasised the human element in service delivery and the dedication of staff. Mayor Brabin acknowledged his compassionate remarks and suggested reaching out to the operator to express the Board's thoughts.

The Board noted the updates and feedback provided.