Mass Transit Promise for West Yorkshire

• Mayor of West Yorkshire to set out proposed route options for first phase of a West Yorkshire Mass Transit system
• It follows Mayor’s successful meetings with the Prime Minister and Chancellor over the last few days
• Mass Transit key to boosting growth regionally and nationally
• Plans have the backing of a variety of influential figures

Proposed route options for the first phase of a new West Yorkshire Mass Transit system will be revealed today in a major step forward for the region’s plans for growth.

The Mayor visited Downing Street last week for a meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss the government’s growth mission and how Metro Mayors will help deliver it.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves subsequently visited the West Yorkshire Combined Authority offices on Thursday for a discussion about growth and how devolution was key to boosting the economy.

Just a few days later (July 15), businesses, politicians and other stakeholders will gather in Leeds city centre to hear more about Mayor Tracy Brabin’s ambitious plans to revolutionise transport in the region.

Earlier this year the Mayor set out high level plans for the first phase of a West Yorkshire Mass Transit network.

Today marks the start of a public consultation in which people will be asked for their views on a series of possible route options across the Leeds Line and the Bradford Line.

The region’s plans for Mass Transit will form a key part of Mayor Brabin’s growth plan.

The first phase will be instrumental in connecting people to opportunity and boosting the economy.

Feedback from the consultation will be considered as part of ongoing development work to determine a preferred route for the Bradford Line and the Leeds Line.

The statutory preferred route consultation will be held in 2025, and the Mayor has previously promised to have spades in the ground on the project by 2028.

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said:

“I’m committed to growing our economy and putting more money into people’s pockets – but to do so we need a transport network that is fit for purpose.

“Pivotal to achieving that is a modern, Mass Transit system interconnected with a West Yorkshire bus network under local control.

“I’ve promised to have spades in the ground by 2028 on Mass Transit, but we need to understand the views of the people who will use it to help inform the route it will take.”

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.”

Paul Swinney, Director of Policy at Centre for Cities, said:

“The UK economy will only close the yawning gaps we have with France and Germany if big cities like Leeds and the wider West Yorkshire area are able to reach their full potential.

“Improving public transport in West Yorkshire to better link people to jobs will be part of achieving this. This makes the Mass Transit consultation important not just for West Yorkshire but for the national economy too.”

Tom Forth, founder and CTO of The Data City, one of North England’s fastest growing AI companies, said:

“Whether it’s worrying about arriving late for hospital appointments or nursery pickups, opting out of a better-paid job because the commute doesn’t work, or businesses struggling to find the fantastic staff they need to expand, we know in our region how poor connectivity is holding us back.

“I can’t wait to make a positive response to the consultation, arguing for the investment that will unlock new homes, new business sites, and better access to nature, entertainment, family, and friends that long overdue investment can unlock

“This is our chance to make the plans for Mass Transit in West Yorkshire irresistible to a new UK government focused on growth and prosperity.”

Marcus Johns, Senior Research Fellow at IPPR North, said:

“Public transport is mission critical for driving up economic growth, opening up opportunities, addressing the climate crisis, and boosting living standards, all shown clearly by the evidence in the UK and internationally.

“This ambition to rapidly rollout a Mass Transit system across West Yorkshire is a major step in the right direction, and demonstrates how the gap left by decades of underinvestment in our public transport across the North and beyond can be plugged.

“This is not only good for West Yorkshire, as the benefits of bolstering West Yorkshire’s economy will be good for the whole North. It is a clear lesson of the high ambition and benefits that Mayors, devolution, and investment are bringing to our wider region. To unlock shared growth and renewal, we hope to see schemes like this brought forward for cities and towns across the country.”