Potential routes for the ambitious plans for a brand-new mass transit system in West Yorkshire unveiled by Mayor Tracy Brabin. The proposals, discussed with Prime Minister Keir Starmer last week will connect many of the region’s towns and the two cities of Leeds and Bradford.
The centrepiece of the plan is the new mass transit network, with phase one focussing on connecting key areas including a route linking St James's Hospital with south Leeds with stops at White Rose and Elland Road, alongside another line running directly between Bradford and Leeds city centres with multiple stops in between. These core hubs will act as the foundation for further expansion across West Yorkshire in future phases.
A consultation phase has now been launched for the public to have their say on the proposed route options and will be fed into the final recommendations. The consultation is open until September 30.
Leeds Line Route options
Brabin commented: “West Yorkshire is a truly special place to live and work, but learning, earning a living or spending time with friends and family should not be limited by a difficult journey.
“A crucial part of our growth mission, Mass Transit will transform the transport options available to the people of West Yorkshire, as well as attracting investment into the region and boosting our economy.
“We want to create a better-connected West Yorkshire, with a Mass Transit system that is affordable, easy to use, and safe and secure for all.”
West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) is planning a further consultation in 2025 once the routes have been identified which will look further into the infrastructure including proposals on tram stops, depots, park and ride options and engineering works. Brabin has however promised that spades will be in the ground by 2028.
The project has had several false starts and funding promises have not always materialised including the aborted ‘Supertram’ project of the nineties however new energy was given to the project when then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak committed £2.5 billion to the project as part of the Network North schemes last October.
That has yet to be signed off by the treasury, but the new government is support the scheme in some form once the plans are submitted to government for approval.
Bradford Line Route Options
Once the application has been made, a decision will be made in the second half of 2026.
Leader of Bradford Council and chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transport Committee Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe said: “Having a tram system will be a leap forward for the West Yorkshire economy and, given the size of Bradford and the number of workers we have here, I’m pleased to see our city benefit from this tram link in the first phase.
“The route would service communities which have never been connected before, providing better access to jobs and opportunities.
“I’m pleased to see the Mayor and the Combined Authority making good progress on delivering the tram link which over the coming years will gradually build out across the whole of West Yorkshire.”
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