Major bus service improvements announced for Wakefield district
Thursday, March 12, 2026
Wakefield is set to benefit from a series of bus service enhancements designed to improve connectivity, boost access to key destinations, and provide better travel options for residents across the district.
“We’re pleased to have worked with West Yorkshire Combined Authority to bring about changes that will make a real difference for our residents. These services are a step in the right direction, and we’ll continue to do all we can to help improve the network for residents.”
Cllr Denise Jeffery
Leader of Wakefield Council
The changes include the introduction of a brand new route and major improvements to several existing services.
“We’re really pleased that the Mayor and Arriva are bringing these new services forward. The benefits for residents will be felt straight away. These changes will make a real difference to everyone in the area who relies on public transport.”
Cllr Matthew Morley
Cabinet Member for Planning Highways and Transport
The improvements include the launch of Service 157, reinstating a much needed direct link between Pontefract, Spital Hardwick, Castleford and Pinderfields Hospital. This route will also serve Wakefield, Altofts and Normanton, creating stronger transport connections across the district.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire said: “Buses are the bedrock of West Yorkshire’s transport system. “These services will better-connect communities – whether people are visiting hospital, getting to work or training, or simply seeing friends.
“We are bringing buses back under local control from next year as part of our Weaver Network, but we are not waiting around to deliver better bus services for West Yorkshire."
Passengers travelling between Wakefield, Altofts and Normanton will soon benefit from double the number of buses, with frequency increasing from every 60 minutes to every 30 minutes. Additional improvements include new evening journeys and a new hourly Sunday service.
For more details, including start dates and timetables please visit: Bus Travel in Yorkshire | Bus Routes & Tickets | Arriva Bus