Plans showcased for first phase of regional mass transit system

Plans for a tram system running between Leeds and Bradford have been set out, with West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin saying she wants to “revolutionise” the region’s transport network.

The proposals were published ahead of the final West Yorkshire Combined Authority meeting, ahead of May’s Mayoral election of West Yorkshire’s leaders next week, which will see them agree to a major step forward for the mass transit scheme.

It is hoped spades will be in the ground in 2028 when construction of early stages of the project will begin.

Phase one would include two lines serving Leeds and Bradford – The Leeds Line and the Bradford Line.

The Leeds Line would take people between St James’ Hospital, through Leeds city centre and on to Elland Road and the White Rose Shopping Centre.

The Bradford Line would run from Leeds city centre to Bradford city centre – also linking Bradford Forster Square station with the new Bradford rail station. This line supports Bradford’s plans to regenerate the city’s southern gateway, which includes the new Bradford rail station.

The Combined Authority would also work with Kirklees Council to look into how to include a Dewsbury Line in future.

Brabin said: “Today is a key milestone in our plan to create a better-connected region that works for all.

“By setting out our plans to submit to Government, we are taking a major step forward towards the biggest infrastructure project West Yorkshire has seen since the development of the motorways six decades ago.

“This will be transformational for the North, helping our communities to thrive and our economy to flourish – benefitting generations to come with greater opportunity and prosperity.

“We know mass transit systems have successfully helped to regenerate areas right across the country by boosting connectivity, opportunity and prosperity – and we will work tirelessly to make sure that happens here in West Yorkshire.”

The Combined Authority says it will continue working with local authorities to ensure future phases of a mass transit network reach Wakefield, Kirklees and Calderdale.

Submission of the Combined Authority’s “strategic outline case” document to the Department for Transport is set to be approved by members of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority on March 14.

The document will then be sent by the Mayor to the Government for consent.

The Combined Authority will ask the public to have their say in the summer on possible routes, with the two “phase one” Leeds and Bradford lines expected to be joined later by potential further schemes covering the rest of the region.

It will also work on a £1m Mass Transit development fund to be set aside to support the Dewsbury Line Development Project, which will examine how to get mass transit to connect Kirklees with Leeds.