Politicians have tried multiple times to bring mass transit back to Leeds, without success. We’ve had everything; plans for trams, a trolley bus scheme, an elevated railway (not dissimilar to a Simpson’s style mono-rail) and even an underground proposal if you go back far enough. It’s left some people in my city highly sceptical of any future plans to bring Mass Transit back to our city.
However, this time is different. I was delighted to secure a Westminster Hall debate on the Government’s support for Mass Transit in West Yorkshire. The confirmation of the debate came through only an hour before the news that the government will be investing £2.1 billion in West Yorkshire’s public transport. This included over one billion for a tram network in Leeds and Bradford. It formed part of the wider £15 billion announced for transport in the North.
The funding will provide the boost that Leeds needs to compete with other major cities in the UK that already have their mass transit systems in place. Though, we do have somethings that they do not.
We can already boast that we have the largest financial and professional services sector outside London and we have the highest rate of growing businesses outside the capital too. The mass transit system will help us supercharge these sectors and more once it is completed.
The funding provided by the Government will allow for construction to begin on phase 1 of the scheme. It will produce two main tram lines. The Bradford Line, connecting Leeds City Centre to Bradford City Centre. And then there is the Leeds Line, with the potential to connect the hospitals, Leeds railway station, Elland Road stadium and the White Rose Shopping Centre. Having spent much of my early life in the White Rose centre, working there throughout my A levels and University, I know what it’ll mean for jobs in my constituency and the incredible potential to link the communities I represent into the network as we expand it and integrate it with all other forms of public transport.
As the Chair of the APPG for Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire, I am determined to find solutions that generate economic growth in our region and our members are too. Mass transit is the key to this.
It is certainly popular amongst residents and businesses in West Yorkshire. WYCA collected data last year from nearly 5,000 individuals and organisations based in the region. Two thirds of those surveyed backed the Bradford Line plans, with more than three quarters supporting the Leeds Line. Both lines will improve local transport for over 675,000 people.
All of this would not have been possible without the tireless work and commitment of our fantastic Mayor, Tracy Brabin.
Tracy has been the strongest advocate for a Mass Transit system in the region ever since she took office. It formed part of her manifesto last year and now she is delivering on that promise. Her fierce desire to grow our local economy and build infrastructure that benefits everyone in West Yorkshire is an inspiration. Her efforts mean that we can take advantage of the full benefits of devolution.
This scheme, as part of the Local Growth Plan, will see the creation of the 33,000 new jobs, new homes and £26 billion in extra growth.
The new Weaver Network, our brand-new franchised and integrated transport network, is key to all of this. It would be remiss of me not to state how pleased I am that our buses are being brought into public control under one banner. This network will connect our franchised buses, tram and train services, as well as linking up with active travel routes.
This investment is a vote of confidence in West Yorkshire. The Government knows how much we have to offer, how much potential we have.
This is just the start of the plan to unlock the potential of our region.
We will now have spades in the ground by 2028. At long last, it is time for trams.
Mass Transit in West Yorkshire is key to unlocking our region’s potential
