West Yorkshire consultation supports tramway project

The West Yorkshire combined authority in the UK has released the results of a public consultation, opening its plans for a tramway project in Leeds-Bradford. 4845 survey responses showed two thirds of those replying supported plans for a Leeds-Bradford link, including members of the public and business and education leaders. On the plans for a Leeds line from St James’ Hospital to White Rose there was 75% support. Improved connections and faster journey times were most often quoted as the benefits of the scheme. 

 

The Line 1 option for the Leeds tramway, via The First Direct Arena and Leeds Beckett University was most supported. There was no clear option on the alternatives for the Leeds-Bradford line. 

 

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said, “The public has emphatically told us: ‘we want mass transit! This is our region’s biggest infrastructure project in decades and will help us deliver on the growth mission to put more money in people’s pockets. It is time to deliver a tram for the people of West Yorkshire and get spades in the ground by 2028.” 

 

Over the coming months the West Yorkshire Combined Authority will continue to undertake environmental and technical assessments and continue to engaged with local stakeholders. This will include landowners, communities, local authorities and the Department for Transport.