Plans revealed for mass transit system in West Yorkshire
It's as the region aims to be net-zero carbon by 2038
Last updated 27th Jan 2021
New plans have been revealed for a mass transit system which will connect all of West Yorkshire.
The West Yorkshire Combined Authority has set out its Connectivity Infrastructure Plan and Mass Transit Vision 2040 today (27th January), and are asking people across the region to have their say.
The proposals also include the impact of HS2, Northern Powerhouse Rail and the upgrade to the Trans-Pennine line, alongside a rollout of rail electrification:
• Outline the early phases of a new mass transit system for West Yorkshire in this decade:
o Improving transport connections for up to 675,000 people in the 20% most deprived communities in West Yorkshire
o Connecting up to 35 housing growth areas and 17 employment growth areas and five hospitals
• Make the case for rail electrification and investment in new infrastructure enabling a minimum of two trains per hour to and from every rail station in the region alongside improved intercity connections to the rest of the UK
• Encourage 24m additional journeys a year by bus by 2033 through additional vehicles and priority measures
• Enable the reduction of transport’s contribution to carbon emissions by up to 81% as the region aims to be net-zero carbon by 2038
Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Leader of Bradford Council, said:
“If we are going to raise the quality of life for all our communities then we need a transport system that does just that. We have already made progress in addressing the legacy of years of underinvestment in our region but we need to go further.
"We want our region to become renowned for a transport system that others look towards, something that enhances the lives of those who live right here in West Yorkshire and that makes us a magnet for an ever-increasing pool of talent.”
Cllr Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Lead, said:
“These proposals set out how our existing plans to invest, our future ambitions and major infrastructure projects including HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail come together to deliver the clean, integrated transport system we need to connect our communities to each other and beyond.
“The people of West Yorkshire deserve a transport system that fills them with pride, with optimism and above all with the confidence that our region has a clear direction of travel towards a future that brings prosperity for all.”
Cllr Kim Groves, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee, said:
“A new mass transit system for West Yorkshire will be a key of our transport system, linking our communities with a quick and reliable service and integrated with bus, rail, walking and cycling.
“This will represent a bold investment; a transformational transport system that will benefit many generations to come.”