The first contracts to run services in West Yorkshire have been awarded to two firms already operating services in the region, Aberdeen-based FirstBus and French operator TransDev.
One Leeds-based company, Square Peg, spent £35,000 bidding for a contract but were unsuccessful in the first round.
Managing Director Simon Daymond said: “We’ve done everything we can to get involved but it’s clear we’re not welcome.
“If the larger operators lose work it’s a temporary problem for them, but for us not winning a contract is a very real threat to the future of this 15 year old company.”
Responding to Dymond’s comments, a spokesperson for WYCA said smaller operators play “an important role in our region’s bus network” and that contracts have been “specifically designed to encourage their participation in this process”.
Signs of the new network are starting to appear in the region.
The new bus station at Heckmondwike has received the Weaver Network branding already and all bus stops across the region will eventually receive the new name.
West Yorkshire is the third mayoral combined authority area to begin franchising of bus services following Greater Manchester in 2023 and Liverpool City Region in September 2026. South Yorkshire is expected to follow in late 2027.
Brabin said the move meant the will be responsible for the Weaver Network, adding: “Hold me to account, I have promised a better bus service for the people of West Yorkshire and that’s what you’re going to get.”
