By John Baron
A public consultation into a proposed mass transit system has shown a line running via Armley and Stanningley is the marginally preferred option to link Leeds and Bradford.
A report from West Yorkshire Combined Authority shows more than two thirds of people surveyed last year are supportive of plans to create a tram system between Leeds and Bradford.
All three Leeds to Bradford Line options would run through West Leeds.
- Line B1 (running from Leeds city centre via Armley, Stanningley, Thornbury and Laisterdyke, before arriving in Bradford city centre) had 55% of respondents supporting or tending to support it.
- B2 (via Laisterdyke, Pudsey and Wortley) had 52%.
- and B3, (via Laisterdyke, Pudsey and Armley) had 48%.
Feedback on the Armley, Stanningley and Thornbury route included some saying the route suits them personally, with others saying the route was not needed as there are already adequate public transport options. Concerns were raised over traffic congestion.
In terms of opposition, all three West Leeds options saw similar proportions of respondents opposing, or tending to oppose (B1 – 30%, B2 – 33%, B3 – 31%).
These are the findings of the consultation:
The feedback will help the Combined Authority select its preferred scheme later this year, before consulting on a detailed version of the preferred route early next year.
The findings from the consultation will be considered alongside several other factors including the findings on environmental surveys, further engagement with stakeholders and feasibility analysis.
The route options consultation for phase one of the West Yorkshire Mass Transit scheme took place in during summer and autumn 2024, and saw 4,845 individuals and organisations have their say on plans for the region’s biggest proposed infrastructure project in decades.
Respondents said improving connections with residential areas, reducing traffic congestion and providing quick journey times were the most important outcomes for a mass transit network.
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: “Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: “The public has emphatically told us: ‘we want mass transit!’ This is our region’s biggest infrastructure project in decades and will help us deliver on the growth mission to put more money in people’s pockets.
“It is time to deliver a tram for the people of West Yorkshire and get spades in the ground by 2028.”
The University of Bradford has also given its backing to the Leeds-Bradford line. Vice-Chancellor Professor Shirley Congdon said: “We wholeheartedly support plans for a clean, quick, reliable mass transit system, particularly one that connects Leeds and Bradford.
“Such a scheme will benefit students, workers, businesses and residents. It will help reduce carbon emissions and congestions, it will kickstart growth and entrepreneurialism and ultimately boost local, regional and national economies.”
The report follows Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s recent growth speech, during which she spoke of government’s commitment to support the West Yorkshire Mass Transit scheme.
More than three quarters surveyed in last year’s consultation also supported a proposed line from St James’s Hospital to the White Rose Centre.
Over the coming months, West Yorkshire Combined Authority will continue to undertake environmental and technical assessments, while continuing to engage with:
- Landowners affected by proposals.
- Communities, including targeted engagement with underrepresented groups.
- Leeds and Bradford councils, the Department for Transport and other statutory organisations.
- Other stakeholders.
Read the full report here.
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Great news. So many new projects get relatively limited support ratings – this is big and shows the massive demand for efficient public transport. Let’s get it built and running with driverless trams every few minutes! The congestion savings for getting people around West Yorkshire quicker will be incredible.
While we’re at it, let’s get one built to the airport too. The congestion and productivity gains will be massive.
I think the weasr Yorkshire mayor needs to review her mathematics! The figures produced do not seem to ‘overwhelmingly’ support some of the proposals! Those demolishing peoples homes, for instance!
Who have they asked about this?
Nobody I have spoken to regarding this matter over the past few months since the project was first mentioned. Who wants to go to Bradford from Leeds?
There was an online consultation that was widely publicised (also mentioned on this site), I believe there were also meetings you could attend. It has not just suddenly appeared out of the blue.