Plans for West Yorkshire Mass Transit Network Launched

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: 

“West Yorkshire is a truly special place to live and work, but learning, earning a living or spending time with friends and family should not be limited by a difficult journey. 

“A crucial part of our growth mission, Mass Transit will transform the transport options available to the people of West Yorkshire, as well as attracting investment into the region and boosting our economy.  

“We want to create a better-connected West Yorkshire, with a Mass Transit system that is affordable, easy to use, and safe and secure for all.” 

Once preferred routes have been developed, a further statutory consultation will follow in 2025. This consultation will include proposals for tram stops, depots, potential park and ride sites and engineering works. 

Leader of Bradford Council and chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transport Committee Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe said: 

“Having a tram system will be a leap forward for the West Yorkshire economy and, given the size of Bradford and the number of workers we have here, I’m pleased to see our city benefit from this tram link in the first phase.  

“The route would service communities which have never been connected before, providing better access to jobs and opportunities.  

“I’m pleased to see the Mayor and the Combined Authority making good progress on delivering the tram link which over the coming years will gradually build out across the whole of West Yorkshire.” 

Following this options consultation and the preferred route consultation in 2025, an application to the Secretary of State for Transport would be made for legal powers and planning permission to build and operate phase one.  

Work is expected to begin in 2028, with first lines operational by the early 2030s. 

Leader of Leeds City Council Cllr James Lewis said: 

"Mass transit will transform transport connectivity across our city, helping to deliver inclusive growth and attracting even more investment. 

"As the largest city in western Europe that does not currently have a mass transit system, it is vitally important that our residents and businesses across Leeds have their say on these initial options so that the preferred routes put forward by the Combined Authority next year are the right ones for our communities." 

Sir John Armitt, chair of the National Infrastructure Commission, said: 

“Our analysis suggests West Yorkshire is one of the country’s biggest priorities for a major public transport upgrade to meet the needs of local residents and businesses – and this is now firmly on its way. 

“The effects of making journeys easier and reducing road congestion should unlock significant and sustainable economic growth for Leeds, Bradford and the wider region, as well as improving everyday life.   

“Mayor Brabin and her team deserve credit for progressing plans to this point, where now the public have their chance to shape the future of a scheme that holds so much potential for boosting commuting, trade and leisure links across the region.” 

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