At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of public transport by planning bus networks and collaborating with stakeholders.
- Company: Join the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, committed to greener and more efficient public transport.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 28 days annual leave, free travel, and a competitive pension scheme.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace that values diversity and offers excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local transport while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of the UK bus industry and experience in network planning are essential.
We are excited to announce a new role for a Bus Network Planner to join our Franchising Network team within the wider Bus Franchising Directorate. This is an incredible opportunity for you to contribute to the delivery of the mayor’s pledge to bring buses back under public control, introduce simpler fares, contactless ticketing, and greener buses. As part of the team, you will play a key role in West Yorkshire’s bus reform at a pivotal time, as the region transitions to a franchised bus network under local control.
As Bus Network Planner, you will provide guidance on bus services, supporting strategic projects and collaborating with key internal and external stakeholders to ensure optimal solutions are achieved. This involves reviewing and designing new commercial and tendered bus networks as part of the Combined Authority Bus Network Review programme, evaluating the impact of operator service changes, working to minimise any negative effects and ensure service quality is maintained. You will develop timetables and provide estimating costs, resource requirements, and projected revenues for new and revised bus services, ensuring that the organisation is receiving value for money from operators.
Bring your expertise in public transport systems and your passion to be a part of something different to a role where you can make a real impact! As a Bus Network Planner at the Combined Authority, you will have the opportunity to help shape the future of public transportation in West Yorkshire.
Our Offer
- Work your way – From flexible and agile working options, including a generous flexi-time scheme to help you balance your personal life and career.
- Time to recharge – Enjoy 28 days of annual leave (with increases based on length of service), plus all Bank Holidays.
- Free greener travel across West Yorkshire – Cover your commute sustainably with unlimited free bus and rail travel using the MCard (Zones 1–5).
- Secure your future – Benefit from a highly competitive Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Investing in you – Take advantage of fully funded professional development, regular training, and up to 3 paid volunteering days per year.
- Grow with us – Incremental salary progression for most roles and annual cost of living increases.
- Family first – We offer enhanced parental and bereavement leave, plus other family-friendly policies to support you when it matters most.
- Your wellbeing, our priority – Access 24/7 free confidential counselling services and the Headspace app for you and up to 5 family or friends.
- Modern workspace in a prime location – Work in bright, contemporary offices just a 2-minute walk from Leeds Train Station, fully equipped with the latest tech.
The Role
Reporting into the Bus Service Coordinator, your key responsibilities will include:
- Providing expertise on bus services to support strategic projects and engage and influence key internal/external stakeholders to ensure best solutions are sought.
- Providing expertise in the appraisal of the Highways and Infrastructure implications of Bus Service Network changes and recommend improvements where necessary to meet passenger needs.
- Applying network review criteria including accessibility, value for money, customer perceptions and efficiency in relation to Combined Authority targets and indicators.
Please review the Role Profile on our website for more information about the responsibilities.
About You
You will have the following key skills, attributes, education and experience:
- Extensive knowledge and expertise of the UK bus industry, including bus/crew scheduling and network planning.
- Detailed understanding of local transport policy issues, including current legal/financial regime in which local public transport is delivered.
- Experience of effectively contributing to team objectives.
- Previous experience of reviewing and designing Bus Services to meet organisational and/or customer needs.
- Educated to degree level or have relevant, demonstrable practical experience from working in a similar role.
To Apply
If this sounds like your next role, please complete the application form and tell us within the supporting statement why you would be a great fit for our role and how your skills, knowledge and experience align with the requirements within the Role Profile. Please visit our Advice for Candidates webpage and review the guidance on this page for support in completing your application form.
Further Information
The Combined Authority is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers better outcomes. We welcome applications irrespective of people's age, disability, neuro-divergence, sex, gender identity and gender expression, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, or other personal circumstances. We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability and/or who are neuro divergent. To find out more about inclusivity at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority please visit our dedicated webpage.
Under the Disability Confident Scheme, applicants with a disability are guaranteed an interview, subject to the minimum criteria being met.
Bus Network Planner in Leeds employer: West Yorkshire Combined Authority
The West Yorkshire Combined Authority is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With flexible working options, generous leave policies, and a commitment to sustainability through free travel across the region, employees can thrive both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact on public transport in West Yorkshire.
Contact Detail:
West Yorkshire Combined Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bus Network Planner in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the transport industry. Attend local events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Combined Authority and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their goals around bus reform and think about how your skills can contribute. This will show you’re genuinely interested and ready to make an impact!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable discussing your experience and how it aligns with the role of Bus Network Planner. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel when it’s time for the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you can find loads of resources and tips on our Advice for Candidates page to help you nail that application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Bus Network Planner in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Role Inside Out:Before you start writing, make sure you really understand what the Bus Network Planner role is all about. Dive into the job description and highlight key responsibilities and skills. This will help you tailor your application to show how you fit the bill!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the role. Be specific about your experience in bus network planning and how it aligns with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Show Your Passion for Public Transport:We love candidates who are passionate about public transport! Make sure to express your enthusiasm for improving bus services and how you can contribute to the mayor’s pledge. A little passion goes a long way in making your application stand out.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find helpful resources on our Advice for Candidates webpage to guide you through the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at West Yorkshire Combined Authority
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the UK bus industry, especially around bus scheduling and network planning. Familiarise yourself with local transport policies and any recent changes in legislation that could impact the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past work where you've successfully designed or reviewed bus services. Highlight how your contributions met organisational goals or improved customer satisfaction.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to engage and influence key stakeholders. Be ready to share strategies you've used in the past to collaborate effectively and achieve optimal solutions.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the role and the organisation's goals. Inquire about the current challenges they face in bus network planning and how you can contribute to overcoming them.
