Tram system between Leeds and Bradford delayed until 2030s
The completion date of the project has been pushed back - after a review of the plans
THE long-planned tram system between Bradford and Leeds will not start running until the late 2030s – it has been revealed.
But despite the delay of several years, the Government has re-affirmed its commitment to the West Yorkshire Mass Transit system – and West Yorkshire’s mayor has said today’s announcement is “good news.”
Phase One of the new system, which would see trams running between Bradford and Leeds city centre, was due to be completed by the mid 2030s, with “spades in the ground” from 2028.
But at a press briefing on Wednesday, West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin revealed that the completion date has been pushed back several years following an independent review of the project.
The review suggested the original process for developing the tram system – which would have seen work on the business case and planning for the routes taking place at the same time, was too high risk.
It suggested a more “sequential timeline” that would add years to the process, but would also “reduce risks” of the scheme going the same way as other tram plans for Leeds.
West Yorkshire Combined Authority – which is heading up the scheme, says Government is considering adding Mass Transit onto its Major Projects Portfolio, which it says will “further bolster the scheme’s standing as an important national infrastructure priority. “
A release from the Authority adds: “This would provide access to further expertise and support for the scheme, while also looking at other ways to cut red tape and accelerate the programme.”
In an exchange of letters published today, Transport Minister Lord Peter Hendy committed the Government’s backing for West Yorkshire Mass Transit and pledged to look into ways to accelerate the programme in the coming years.
The Minister and Mayor both shared their frustration that major projects like this take too long to develop and build in the UK.
West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin and Mass Transit head Mike Birch spoke of the changes at a press briefing, where Ms Brabin insisted there will still be “spades in the ground” by 2028.
Mr Birch said: “This is the largest local transport project in the UK, and will be hugely complex.
“We’re delighted the Government has reaffirmed its backing for this programme.”
He said there would be three stages in planning for the tram line – a strategic outline case, an outline business case and a final business case.
The Authority is currently in the strategic outline case stage.
Mr Birch said planning for the scheme could not now take place until after the strategic outline case is approved by Government.
Mr Brabin said: “I’ve been focused on growing the economy, and you can’t grow with a poor transport network.
“I welcome this new approach, but it does mean that – given we are at the start of the plan – it will knock the project from opening in the mid 2030s to the end of the decade.
“It does delay the project, but it sets a new relationship with the government.
“I’ve always said when there were any bumps in the road we’d be open and transparent, and we’ll find the solutions together.”
There will be a further public consultation on the scheme once the business cases are completed.
When asked about her “spades in the ground by 2028” pledge, Ms Brabin said: “We will still deliver that. There will be preparatory works – we’ll have a team working on what that looks like. It will be delivering projects that will help mass transit like bridge strengthening. Works will be underway by 2028.”
When it was put to her that members of the public would likely think they’d been here before with Leeds tram plans, Ms Brabin said: “I understand that. People have been promised so much with trams. That is why I’m so determined we go on and deliver this.”
She said there was now more political will, both nationally and locally, to deliver trams then there had been before.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service pointed out that a number of planned developments in Bradford city centre were due to incorporate mass transit – including a proposed new bus station and the refurbishment of Forster Square Rail Station. Would the delay to mass transit mean that these developments would potentially have empty spaces, waiting for years for tram lines and stops to be completed?
Ms Brabin pointed out that the change to the process had only recently been announced, and said the tram links would be phased in to new developments.
She said: “There are a lot of exciting things happening in Bradford, hopefully including a new station on the Northern Powerhouse Rail line. The enhanced connection between Leeds and Bradford by tram is an important part of that story.
“The commitment by Government to mass transit has brought great confidence by business to both Bradford and Leeds.”
Mr Birch said: “We’ll be working hand in glove with our District (Council) colleagues to make sure all these schemes are joined up.”
Ms Brabin added: “It is important we get it right at the beginning.”
Asked if she could guarantee that the mass transit system would be trams as promised, she said: “I am determined to deliver trams, but was also have to make the case to Government for other modes of transport.”
She said bus based mass transit could be one option suggested as part of the business case – although the preference would remain trams.