West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin has given her backing to a new taskforce which aims to tackle hurdles which block the introduction of mass transit systems in the UK.
The Government today (Wednesday, 20 May) launched its new Mass Transit Taskforce.
The group, which includes leading experts from the world of transport, industry, finance and academia will identify the biggest hurdles facing the introduction of mass transit systems across the UK, and how to overcome them.
Mass transit encompasses networks of trams, light rail and high-frequency buses that move large numbers of people quickly across towns and cities, and has transformed urban life in places like Greater Manchester, Nottingham, the North East and the West Midlands.
Working independently, and led by Chair Bridget Rosewell CBE, the taskforce will draw on best practice from across the world to make recommendations on how mass transit systems can be delivered more quickly and efficiently.
Other members of the taskforce will include David Milner, Managing Director of Create Streets, Richard de Cani, Chief Officer for Global Business and Markets at Arup and Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group. The Urban Transport Group will also provide the secretariat for the Taskforce.
The move has been welcomed by Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin, who remains committed to bring mass transit to West Yorkshire, including a line which connects Bradford and Leeds, which will run through a yet-to-be-determined route through West Leeds.
She said: “We have ambitious plans for our region, and a Mass Transit system is a key part of that – by improving connections and boosting growth.
“But we all know that there are too many blockers to delivering Mass Transit schemes in this country, so I welcome this taskforce and support any measures that will bring about real change. Local leaders know their areas best – putting more powers in our hands will allow us to deliver on the change we know our communities want and deserve.”
Currently, factors like planning processes, fragmented funding arrangements and difficulties in acquiring land get in the way of delivering these systems, and the Taskforce will seek to overcome these by identifying practical reforms to planning, financing and delivery models, and making targeted recommendations to Government.
To go alongside this, the Government is also announcing that it will consult on measures to devolve additional powers to Mayors, allowing them to have final say over decisions related to public transport – including mass transit.
Known as Transport and Works Act Orders (TWAOs), the devolution of these powers will ensure local leaders have more tools to deliver local transport, which meets the needs of local people.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “Mass transit has the potential to transform towns and cities across the country. Creating a better, more integrated transport system will not only support economic growth and new jobs but will also deliver desperately needed housing.
“That’s why I am delighted to announce the formation of the Mass Transit Taskforce who will use their skills and vast knowledge to deliver real and practical recommendations to shape the future of urban transport for years to come.
“Meanwhile, we’re putting power in local hands, empowering Mayors to deliver mass transit in their towns and cities so they can make decisions for the communities they know best.”
The work of the Mass Transit Taskforce is already underway, with evidence already being gathered ahead of its first recommendations in six months.
WLD reported in December how services on the proposed mass transit system in West Yorkshire will be delayed until the late 2030s, following a Government review. West Yorkshire Combined Authority was directed to take a sequential approach rather than running route planning and business cases simultaneously.
Preparatory construction works expected to begin around 2028.
One line is proposed to run through West Leeds to connect Leeds with Bradford. Another routs would run past Elland Road to the White Rose Centre.
Clarification: This post was updated on Thursday, 21 May 2026 to provide the correct spelling of Richard de Cani.