Weaver Network is 'new era' for public transport

'Weaver' references West Yorkshire's strong tradition with cloth manufacture

West Yorkshire transport bosses have unveiled new branding for the region's public transport network, pledging a "bold new era".

The Weaver Network was launched by Mayor Tracy Brabin and West Yorkshire council leaders at Millennium Square in Leeds.

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) said the single branding across the network would make it "easier and more accessible" for passengers.

The previous Metro logo - a large 'M' - has been in place since 1974.

Ms Brabin said the region had suffered from a "disjointed, confusing and increasingly hard-to-navigate public transport system" for too long.

The new Weaver Network was "a fresh, modern identity", she said.

The name was inspired by the region's industrial past, WYCA said, and "visually reflects the cultural fabric of modern-day West Yorkshire".

The Weaver Network was "a fresh, modern identity", Tracy Brabin said

The rebrand follows "extensive work" to explore the area's cultural identity.

Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, who helped devise the new brand, said: "I'm West Yorkshire born and bred, a public transport user, a geography graduate and a poet - in many ways it was the perfect invitation.

"To me, the Weaver Network name symbolises the threads connecting people with places, shuttling to-and-fro, built on heritage and creating new ties and links."

To be cost-effective, the WYCA said, the new Weaver brand would be gradually introduced, starting with replacements of the M at existing bus stops and stations, and the Metro brand would not disappear immediately - people would still be able to use tickets and passes.

The large 'M' logo for West Yorkshire's travel network has been in place since 1974

The authority said when buses are taken under local control from 2027, the new branding will then be rolled out further and eventually included on the planned West Yorkshire tram system, to be started in 2028.

Ms Brabin said: "This will help us on our journey to creating an easier-to-use transport system [which] demonstrates our ambition to create a better-connected region that works for all."

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin unveiled the design in Leeds, alongside leaders of five West Yorkshire councils

Transport chair Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe said the WYCA's role within the region's public transport was "constantly evolving" and said roles and responsibilities had "changed immeasurably" since 1974 when the 'M' Metro brand was created.

"With the mayor's decision to take back control of the bus network, we are now moving towards a fully integrated transport network under one brand, replacing about 19 different brands currently in use," she said.

"The Weaver Network will reflect a public transport network the region can be proud of, while helping the public understand who is responsible for helping them travel to where they need to be."

A decision was taken in January to retire the Metro brand, along with related identities such as Leeds Park and Ride, and CityConnect.

Buses will be "repaired and replaced" to ensure value for money and a report on the full transition from Metro to Weaver Network would be discussed at a future WYCA meeting.

The new branding will be rolled out gradually, according to WYCA

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