FIRST moves have been made towards bringing the region’s buses back into public control.

Plans published by West Yorkshire Combined Authority propose starting the process that would lead to the franchising of services – and entering a so-called enhanced partnership with operators to deliver improvements for passengers.

West Yorkshire mayor Tracy Brabin – who pledged in her election manifesto to pursue the move – said the measures would result in a more flexible bus network offering users improved accessibility, more routes and simpler fares.

“The plans we’ve published are the first step to fulfilling one of my key pledges – to bring our buses back into public control,” she said.

“I want buses to be the first choice for travel in our region.”

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Bradford Council leader and the transport portfolio lead for the combined authority, said: “The process we are starting is an important first step in making real improvements for our region’s bus users. The steps we are taking will ultimately result in better value and improved service for the millions of people who use buses in and across West Yorkshire every week.”

Government timescales mean the earliest an operational franchise could begin is late 2025.

The plans will be discussed at a meeting of the combined authority next Thursday (June 24).