BREAKING: I’ve just announced my decision to bring West Yorkshire's buses back under public control!
When I was elected in 2021, I pledged to improve your bus services – and this is a huge step forward to creating the bus service that you deserve.
I'm absolutely delighted that Bradford will be the UK’s City of Culture in 2025. Not only is this huge for the fantastic people of Bradford, but for everyone across West Yorkshire. 🎭🎨🎻🎤
#CityofCulture2025
#Bradford2025
At Manchester Piccadilly trying to head back to Leeds following our meeting with
@Mark_J_Harper
It was all going quite well until staff announced TransPennine had only sent half the train.
Just look at the crowds.
This just about sums it up.
YOU CAN'T MAKE IT UP: my train from Leeds to Manchester to meet
@Mark_J_Harper
to discuss rail chaos was CANCELLED.
The platform was packed as we all waited for the next.
This misery can't go on.
I’ve been made aware of threatening and abusive behaviour targeted towards Jewish students and an individual at Leeds University in recent days.
Vandalism of a Jewish student residence and death threats made towards a Jewish member of staff are deeply concerning.
I have written…
Overwhelmed and emotional after completing
#LeedsHalfMarathon
🏁
Proud to raise money for a
#MND
centre for
@LDShospcharity
and
@LeedsWomensAid
. Thank you so much to everyone who has supported!
If you are able, please donate towards these vital causes:
We’re asking men and boys across West Yorkshire to help us put an end to everyday harassment and inappropriate behaviour towards women and girls.
Will you play your part?
Tell your friends:
❌It’s not banter.
❌It’s not harmless.
❌It’s not okay.
So,
#JustDont
It should have been a knighthood but I’m still delighted to see
@Rob7Burrow
and Kevin Sinfield recognised with CBEs in this year’s Honours List.
Their tireless dedication to MND fundraising has captivated the entire nation. So well deserved!
Ready to attend the Coronation on behalf of our wonderful region. 👑
Representing
#WestYorkshire
wearing a hat by local milliner Lillibets Millinery, while doing my bit for the planet in a
#preloved
thrifted dress!
Can’t wait!
I'm in Dublin, to see their tram system in action and learn from their experience building it. 🚋
I committed to developing a mass transit system for
#WestYorkshire
, improving access to opportunities for our communities.
For such a huge project, it's vital we learn from others.
Great to meet ⚽️
@Patrick_bamford
yesterday at the University of Leeds to talk about our shared interest in the climate agenda. Looking forward to working more closely together in our communities. 🍃🌳Watch this space!
@LUFC
@nexusunileeds
I’m delighted to announce ‘Free Bus Sunday’ across West Yorkshire. 📢🚌🌎
I want people across our region to take the bus to create a greener West Yorkshire🍃 & help raise awareness of next month’s United Nations Climate Change conference in Glasgow (COP 26).
We’re bringing buses back under public control – putting power back in the hands of local people!
This decision is massive milestone on our journey towards a better-connected region, where buses are the first choice of travel for our 2.4 million residents.
We stand together as mayors to urge the government to stop inflicting economic damage on our cities and the country.
Gathering together in Leeds today, we say build HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail in full.
I’m delighted to let you know that ALL bus travel in West Yorkshire will be FREE on Sunday 31st October. I want to thank the bus operators in West Yorkshire who’ve helped us create this exciting event.
If you haven’t used the bus recently, then this is your chance. 🚌🍃
As Northern Mayors who represent 9 million people, we've had enough.
The rail network is letting our people down.
If ‘levelling up’ is to be more than a slogan under the new Prime Minister, then he must give us the money and powers we need to deliver.
Our full statement 👇
As Metro Mayors collectively representing 10 million people, we have today urged the Government to reverse their decision to remove the requirement to wear face coverings on public transport. Read our full statement 🚌 👉🏼
I’ve got real concerns about plans to close 16 ticket offices across West Yorkshire.
More people may buy tickets online but this idea still raises serious questions about access for the elderly and disabled, our plans for more integrated tickets and the safety of women and girls
‼️ We’re making your bus fares cheaper from SUNDAY ‼️
- £2 max fare on single journeys
- £4.50 unlimited journeys via
@MCardtravel
DaySaver
Any time. Any bus. Anywhere in West Yorkshire.
#MayorsFares
🚍🚌
It’s absolutely right that this is the end of the line for Transpennine Express.
We’ve urged government to act for almost a year, as delays and cancellations damaged our economy and caused misery for commuters.
As the voice of passengers, I will continue to speak up for them.
Today, I moved forwards with plans to deliver greater public control of buses while unlocking millions of pounds in funding to improve services.
#TransportCommittee
It was my absolute privilege today to sign the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner oath, accepting police and crime functions as Mayor.
I look forward to delivering my pledges
➡️750 more frontline officers
➡️keeping women & girls safe at the heart of my policing plan
Our towns and cities have been designed primarily by men. Parks are no exception.
We want women to be right at the beginning of thinking when it comes to design and maintenance of parks rather than an afterthought.
Read our guidelines for safer parks:
This Sunday, we’ve made all buses in West Yorkshire free for the day – using public transport instead of a car is an easy way we can all help to lower carbon emissions across our region.
#FreeBusSunday
🚌
THE MAYOR’S FARES ARE HERE! Hop on a bus and travel for less with our new, cheaper bus fares 🚌.
Don’t forget to tag me in your pics on the bus! 🚍🤳
Find out more:
I am today mandating the use of face coverings across bus stations in West Yorkshire. Whilst I would like to go further to include buses and trains, we are doing what is in our power. We have come so far. Let’s support each other so West Yorkshire can recover & thrive.🚌
It’s a long road ahead to get our buses under public control, but we’re giving it all we’ve got!
Following months of work, an assessment into the future of our bus market has been completed. We can now move forward in our journey to bus reform.
HS2 would link the three great cities of Leeds, Manchester and Birmingham and help boost economic growth right across the country.
Scrapping the project in the North of England will damage jobs, investment and the economy. Leaving plans to level up in tatters.
The shambolic and rushed consultation to shut the majority of rail ticket offices closes tomorrow.
Three weeks isn't enough time to consult on these proposals – and the Government must call this off.
I’ve joined with other mayors to take legal action to stop these plans.
What a win for the North! 👏
@bpi_music
has been successful in its mission to open a Brit School in
#Bradford
🎶
I can’t wait to see the next generation of creative talent thrive!
Read more:
You told me that you wanted to see West Yorkshire’s buses brought back under public control.
Well today, I made that decision official – it’s the start of a transport revolution across the region.
Learn more:
The conflict in Israel and Gaza is deeply troubling and my heart goes out to the families of all those innocent lives lost on both sides.
Hamas’s terror attack on Israel was absolutely barbaric and cannot be justified.
The indiscriminate bombing of civilians in Gaza is also…
Brilliant to catch up with
@SadiqKhan
at Switch Mobility today. I’m delighted that
#Yorkshire
is at the forefront of developing the cutting-edge technology that we need to ensure a green recovery as we emerge from the Covid pandemic. 🚌🌍🍃
Plans to leave just three of West Yorkshire's rail stations with ticket offices are completely unacceptable.
The fundamentally flawed consultation must be stopped.
Read my and
@SHinchcliffe
's full letter to the Transport Secretary here:
🔗
We’re gearing-up for Leeds’ new e-bike hire scheme with
@BerylBikes
and
@LeedsCC_News
. 🚲
Click the link for a first look at the new e-bikes that are coming to the city later this year:
🔗
We as Northern Mayors today called on government to strip TransPennine Express of its franchise.
To truly level up the North, we need a reliable public transport system that delivers for us and our ambitions.
Listen to my thoughts at today’s
#ConventionOfTheNorth
After weeks of rail chaos across the North, I am holding an emergency meeting today with fellow Northern Mayors.
We will be coming together to send a clear message that we will not stand for this shambles.
@MetroMayorSteve
@olivercoppard
If there is a problem on the line between Leeds and Manchester, there are no other choices. You really are stuck.
Ending TPE’s contract isn’t going to make a difference overnight, but it could be a chance for a reset moment.
This is a good day for the North.
@Channel4News
When I became Mayor a year ago, I promised to make bus fares simpler and cheaper across West Yorkshire. Through our new Enhanced Partnership with bus operators that’s exactly what we’re doing.
Complete chaos trying to get to the
@Transport4North
Annual Conference this morning.
On the day that train fares are rising, we are all experiencing MORE cancellations and delays.
When I finally arrive, I will make it clear that this shambolic service is not good enough!
Under government control, LNER has achieved a fantastic bounce-back in passenger numbers post-pandemic.
Public ownership allows LNER to respond to public needs rather than prioritising shareholders.
In contrast, almost a quarter of TPE services were cancelled last month.
Today I met with
@AndyBurnhamGM
&
@MetroMayorSteve
, the Mayors of Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region to discuss our shared priorities, on buses🚌and in particular our joint ambition to create more good jobs with fair pay & conditions across the North. 👩💼📈
Thank you for taking the time to speak to me about my hopes for West Yorkshire. I’m enormously proud to represent the people of our fantastic region and I’m excited and optimistic about what we can achieve.
We want to help people in our region to make the right choices for the right journey. 🚌🚲
That’s why we’re making it easier to walk, cycle or use public transport – working towards a better-connected West Yorkshire.
Visit:
Today, we’ve set out plans to submit to government, for a tram running from Leeds to Bradford!
This would be just the first phase of a mass transit system to connect the whole region - helping our communities thrive and our economy flourish.
Learn more:
Happy
#YorkshireDay
to all!
Many things make us proud to call West Yorkshire home... Iconic landmarks, a thriving culture scene and a strong sporting spirit! 👏
With so much already to shout about - we’re working towards a region that’s even greener, brighter, and happier.
We need a new railway station in Bradford to unlock economic growth, connect our communities and increase opportunity.
It is vital that we can move the project forward as we work to build a better-connected West Yorkshire and improve links across the North.…
I’m delighted to see Bradford has submitted a bid to be the UK’s City of Culture in 2025.
It’s a vibrant, creative city, with huge ambitions for the future. I hope everyone across West Yorkshire joins me in backing Bradford’s bid & working towards a successful result in May.👏
"This is a defining moment for Bradford"
Today we submit our official bid to become UK
#CityofCulture2025
💥
Young people from across the district came together for a celebratory send-off, as the document heads to
@DCMS
📮
#Bradford2025
I have been joined by women leaders from across Europe and the United Kingdom in an open letter, which supports women’s abortion rights following the
#RoeVWade
ruling in America.
Women should always have a choice.
We’re launching the country’s first Women’s Safety Unit – a team of specialists dedicated to keeping women and girls safe.
Violence against women and girls is a systemic problem and we’re doing all we can to address its root causes.
Learn more:
Today is a victory for rail passengers across the country.
I’m glad the government have listened to mayors and the public, calling a U-turn on plans to shut down ticket offices.
If we want our railways to be accessible and safe for everyone, station staff are essential.
As someone who grew up in social housing, I know first-hand the value of having a safe & affordable place to live. Having a secure roof over your head 🏠, in a well-connected community🚃, can act as a fantastic gateway to better jobs, better education and better opportunities✅
So saddened to hear of the death of Betty Boothroyd, a legendary woman of West Yorkshire.
As the first woman Speaker of the House of Commons, Betty served as an inspiration and paved the way for so many women in politics today.
Rest in power, Betty.
Misogyny is now recorded in West Yorkshire - another milestone reached in realising my pledge to place the safety of women and girls at the heart of my Police and Crime Plan
➡️
#Misogyny
@WestYorksPolice
I’ve written to
@BorisJohnson
&
@grantshapps
urging they take immediate action to protect bus services.
They cannot push hardworking families onto more expensive means of travel during a cost of living crisis. Support must be extended THIS WEEK before operators axe routes.
We've come together as Northern Mayors to say enough is enough. I was on
@BBCBreakfast
this morning calling on the government to act and help end the rail chaos that's disrupting our regions."
The Government must not reward TransPennine Express' terrible service with a new contract.
The people of the North deserve better than another eight years of mayhem.
Thanks to
@cllrjudithblake
for her kind words in her
@UKHouseofLords
maiden speech. Proud to know such an amazing woman who is such a strong advocate for devolution and our region. Great shout out to
@LUFC
too! 👍🏼
My letter to the Prime Minister expressing my deep concern over the speculation around HS2.
First the Eastern Leg was scrapped, now the Government seem determined to deliver the fatal blow for the project in the North.
It's the very definition of levelling down:
Updated guidance being slipped out on the Cabinet Office website on a Friday tea time is unacceptable. After this difficult year our communities and businesses need clear answers and leadership from Government.
It is outrageous that Leeds remains the largest city in Western Europe without a mass transit system.
We need Government to back our ambitions in next week’s Spring Budget.
Read my front-page piece in today’s
@yorkshirepost
Cc
@Jeremy_Hunt
Hey West Yorkshire! Let’s get behind local hero
@Rob7Burrow
and vote for his inspiring documentary at the upcoming National Television Awards 📺🏉 If haven’t seen it, you can still watch ‘Rob Burrow: My Year with MND’ on BBC IPlayer now
@leedsrhinos
Leeds has been recognised as a leading city for climate action for the second year in a row! 👏
Making the top 13% of global cities, Leeds has been graded 'A' by the
@CDP
- decreasing emissions by 38% since 2005.
Help us build a greener West Yorkshire:
Diversity is our strength in West Yorkshire & we want everyone to feel welcome!
We're supporting partners like
@htafc
to run programmes that help refugees integrate into their new home.
And funding English lessons for refugees through our devolved Adult Education Budget.
📢 I'm delighted to announce that people in West Yorkshire will be able to travel for FREE on Sunday 5 June as part of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations 🥳
Sadly, I can't make the
#NorthernTransportSummit
today because I couldn’t rely on the trains to get me to Liverpool and back.
I hope those in attendance make it clear that we cannot go on like this.
📢Please share your stories with us, our voices must be heard.
#NTS2023
Along with my fellow Northern mayors, we’ve written to the Transport Secretary
@Mark_J_Harper
demanding the government take action over failing TransPennine Express.
The people of the North deserve a functional, fit-for-purpose rail network.
Letter link:
I've co-ordinated a partnership bid which has successfully secured a further £655,000 to improve safety for women and girls across the county
The new funding will go on two ambitious and wide-reaching projects
Find out more
Cricket rivalry between Lancashire and Yorkshire is legendary, but we are united to urge
@ECB_cricket
to make sure the North sees some iconic Ashes moments in 2027.🏏
@MayorOfGM
After all, there are more Yorkshire players in the England team than any other county.
THREE DAYS to go until we introduce a £2 capped fare on single journeys, saving people as much as £1.20 on some trips.
AND the DaySaver will be reduced to £4.50 - 20% off the original price. This could save people up for £500 over a year! 🚍🚌
#MayorsFares
I spoke to
@BBCBreakfast
this morning after TransPennine Express cancelled over 600 services last week.
They’ve proven they are not up to the task, so it’s now time that they hand the reins over to someone who is. It can’t be that this government continues to reward failure.
I've sent this message to the TransPennine Express Managing Director ahead of next week's Convention of the North.
Fingers crossed there are some trains running 🤞
This morning I joined Mayors from across the country in calling out proposals to shut most rail station ticket offices.
It is nothing short of vandalism – and we stand ready to take legal action.
The government and rail operators must abandon this shameful plan.
This morning I called on Government to give our communities and businesses the certainty and support they need after the Cabinet Office issued new COVID guidance without telling the hundreds of thousands of people it affected.
"This has been slipped out without consultation"
Metro Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin tells
#BBCBreakfast
Matt Hancock must make a statement to Parliament as government ‘stay local’ advice has emerged for areas hardest hit by the Indian variant.
My message to Northerners: I will continue to be your advocate and make sure your voice is heard in Whitehall and in those board rooms where they are making decisions about our transport network. 📣
Change isn’t going to happen overnight, but I welcome this announcement today.
More people in West Yorkshire are travelling by bus - thanks to our Mayor’s Fares. That’s why we’re extending our £2 fare into 2025! 🚍
By making public transport the affordable option, we’re helping more people choose greener ways to travel.
Read more:
There has been speculation that Government will go back on HS2 East and the promises they made to West Yorkshire.
So yesterday I headed to Manchester to tell
@grantshapps
that public transport in the North just isn’t good enough. We know what we need – Government must listen.
"A decade of rail replacement buses with electrification."
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin tells
@cathynewman
Rishi Sunak's northern transport plans feel like "pure electioneering".
This morning the government announced that this is the end of the line for failing operator TransPennine Express.
This is a victory for Northern Mayors who rallied together to hold Rishi Sunak's government to account on this issue.
Read my full statement:
This represents a fresh start for passengers in the North, who had to put up with a substandard service for far too long.
I look forward to working with the new operator, unions, and other key players to improve services and build a better-connected
#WestYorkshire
.
It’s fantastic that
@alison_4life
has been confirmed in role today & we can now get to work tackling the issues that matter most to our communities.👏➡️
I am absolutely delighted that Bradford has progressed in the UK City of Culture 2025 competition. I wish the city the very best of luck and will be supporting their bid every step of the way. 🎭🎨🎶🎤
A lasting legacy to the life of David Oluwale, ‘Hibiscus Rising’ is a major new public artwork by
@SHONIBARESTUDIO
.
The tragic mistreatment of Oluwale should never be forgotten. This new sculpture celebrates our diversity and represents hope for a future free from hate.
I'm backing Bradford - this is your time!
Join me in showing your support ahead of the announcement of the 2025 UK City of Culture on The One Show, BBC One, from 7pm this Tuesday.
#CityofCulture2025
#Bradford2025
#HeartoftheNorth
🤞
The people of
#WestYorkshire
need buses that they can rely on.
Next Friday, our Transport Committee will meet to discuss how we can improve our services. Including:
🚍 Better bus services
🚆 Train and bus performance
Click the link to read the papers:
Really pleased that after pressure from Northern Mayors this week, the government have made an 11th hour decision to extend vital bus funding. A big win as our communities face an extraordinary cost-of-living crisis.