00:00West Yorkshire bus services are due to begin next spring, after contracts were signed with First
00:06Bus and Transdev. First, West Yorkshire will run services in Huddersfield and parts of Leeds,
00:12while Transdev Blazefield will operate in Dewsbury. The combined authority will control routes,
00:19fares and standards under the new franchising system. Passenger group Better Buses West
00:24Yorkshire criticised the choice of First, saying passengers deserve better. But Mayor Tracey
00:30Brabin says the contracts are a landmark moment and a step towards improving transport. Franchising
00:37will be introduced in phases, with the network set to come under public control by the end of 2028.
