By John Baron
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has reaffirmed the Government’s support to a £2.5 billion mass transit system in West Yorkshire – with one of the lines passing through her constituency.
The first line, announced by West Yorkshire Combined Authority last year, would run between Leeds and Bradford and cut through the Chancellor’s Leeds West and Pudsey constituency.
The second would link the centre of Leeds with the White Rose Shopping Centre in the south of the city and St James’ Hospital in the north.
Ms Reeves was questioned in parliament yesterday by Chipping Barnet Labour MP Dan Tomlinson, who urged her to ensure that the ‘Leeds tram is built as fast as possible’.
Mr Tomlinson, who is also a National Champion for the Government’s Growth Mission, said: “As a north London MP, I know that tackling the high housing costs in this city is a priority for my constituents. It is my belief that one route to that is investing in the country as a whole, so that we are not just flying on one London-shaped engine.
“To that end, did you know, Mr Speaker, that Leeds is the largest city in western Europe that does not have a tram or a mass transit system? That is a damning indictment of decades of economic failure.
“Will the Chancellor do all she can to ensure that the Leeds tram is built as fast as possible so that her constituents and mine can be better off?”
Ms Reeves replied: “I had better declare an interest as a proud Member of Parliament for Leeds West and Pudsey.
“West Yorkshire Combined Authority is receiving £830 million for transport spending through round one of the city region sustainable transport settlement.
“That includes £200 million for the development of a mass transport system. For too long Leeds has lacked this. This Government will put that investment in and get those trams running.”
WLD reported in February that three options for how and where the Leeds to Bradford line will run exactly have been put forward 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 showed more than two thirds of people surveyed last year are supportive of plans to create a tram system between Leeds and Bradford.
West Yorkshire Combined Authority is currently undertaking environmental and technical assessments into all three route options.
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Great stuff. Get it built. Then build more. Build a line to the airport. Build a line through Headingley. Build a circle line around Leeds to help people get around without going in and out again. Build a line out East. It’ll be transformative for Leeds and West Yorkshire.