Ambitious plans for clean and connected transport system supporting better future for West Yorkshire

27 January 2021

Plans for a transport network – including a new mass transit system – that connects all West Yorkshire’s communities to jobs, education and opportunity are set out today.

The proposals identify where people will live and work in the coming decades, the journeys they will need to take and how best to connect them through an integrated network including walking and cycling, bus, mass transit and rail.

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority is publishing its Connectivity Infrastructure Plan and Mass Transit Vision 2040 today and asking people across the region to have their say.

The two documents include further detail on emerging plans for a new West Yorkshire mass transit system and the areas it could serve as part of a wider programme of transport investment over the next 20 years.

They also set out the critical role of major projects including HS2, Northern Powerhouse Rail and the upgrade to the Trans-Pennine line, alongside a rollout of rail electrification, in delivering an integrated transport system that connects communities in West Yorkshire to each other and the wider UK.

The proposals

• Outline the early phases of a new mass transit system for West Yorkshire in this decade: 
• Improving transport connections for up to 675,000 people in the 20% most deprived communities in West Yorkshire
• Connecting up to 35 housing growth areas and 17 employment growth areas and five hospitals
• Make the case for rail electrification and investment in new infrastructure enabling a minimum of two trains per hour to and from every rail station in the region alongside improved intercity connections to the rest of the UK
• Encourage 24m additional journeys a year by bus by 2033 through additional vehicles and priority measures
• Enable the reduction of transport’s contribution to carbon emissions by up to 81% as the region aims to be net-zero carbon by 2038

Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Leader of Bradford Council, said: “If we are going to raise the quality of life for all our communities then we need a transport system that does just that. We have already made progress in addressing the legacy of years of underinvestment in our region but we need to go further.

"We want our region to become renowned for a transport system that others look towards, something that enhances the lives of those who live right here in West Yorkshire and that makes us a magnet for an ever-increasing pool of talent.”

Cllr Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Lead, said: “These proposals set out how our existing plans to invest, our future ambitions and major infrastructure projects including HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail come together to deliver the clean, integrated transport system we need to connect our communities to each other and beyond.

“The people of West Yorkshire deserve a transport system that fills them with pride, with optimism and above all with the confidence that our region has a clear direction of travel towards a future that brings prosperity for all.”  

Cllr Kim Groves, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee, said: “A new mass transit system for West Yorkshire will be a key of our transport system, linking our communities with a quick and reliable service and integrated with bus, rail, walking and cycling.

“This will represent a bold investment; a transformational transport system that will benefit many generations to come.”

The Connectivity Infrastructure Plan and the Mass Transit Vision 2040 can be read in full here where you can also comment on the proposals.

Nick Garthwaite, Chair of West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We welcome the plan to improve transport connectivity across West Yorkshire, and the proposal for a mass transit system.  We look forward to considering the details of the Connectivity Infrastructure Plan, and sharing them with our members.  Businesses still need a reliable, connected and integrated transport network to help ensure that West Yorkshire continues to be attractive to investors as we look to rebuild our economy in the wake of COVID.

“Also, we cannot afford to delay in pushing ahead with these proposals.  For too long, our region has lagged behind others in the UK in transport terms and, looking to European cities, we are decades behind.  We need to be ambitious and commit to schemes that enhance connectivity, deliver confidence, yet also contribute to carbon emission reductions. 

“This will help keep our region competitive, both nationally and internationally, and avoid us being left behind as other metropolitan areas also strive for more success.  A genuinely deliverable mass rapid transit system is long overdue for West Yorkshire – we hope that its time has now come.  We’ll be working with and supporting West Yorkshire Combined Authority to move this strategy forward.” 

Tim Foster, Interim Director of Strategy and Programmes at Transport for the North, said: “The people and businesses of the North deserve a transport network that meets their needs and supports their ambitions, and is integrated at a local, regional and national level.   

“West Yorkshire’s Connectivity Infrastructure Plan and Mass Transit 2040 vision set out how that can become a reality for its communities. They demonstrate the vital importance in making strong links between local journeys - such as better cycling and bus links - and longer-distance links to other towns and cities – such as those to be provided by Northern Powerhouse Rail.  

Welcome to Yorkshire Chief Executive James Mason said: “Welcome to Yorkshire promotes the largest county in England across the globe, as a place to Visit, Live, Work and Study and an efficient transport network system offering an affordable and accessible public transport service remains key for everyone to enjoy this fantastic county, including its vibrant cities, breathtaking coastline, spectacular countryside, amazing arts and attractions, fabulous food and drink, as well as its world-class heritage locations.

“Tourism in Yorkshire was worth a staggering £9bn to the county’s economy pre-pandemic and now more than ever the thirst for exploring its great outdoor spaces (following Government guidelines), benefitting health and well-being have become evidently important, whether urban or rural, as well as supporting businesses and tourism organisations across the county, especially when we emerge from lockdown.

“Welcome to Yorkshire support the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership’s positive plans for a future of environmentally clean, local, easy and accessible transport options to enhance and improve the travel experience for all.”

“By working in partnership with WYCA and leaders across the North, we’re helping connect people to jobs and opportunities, and enhance quality of life for our region’s 15 million residents.” 

David Aspin, Founder and CEO of Munroe K, commented: "The new Connectivity Plan is a terrific example of real joined up thinking and is a game changer of a magnitude that will give to future generations what past generations have needed for so long. It strikes a serious chord both in terms of levelling up and in delivering genuine inclusive growth to areas of historic depravation, such as South Leeds. Better transport connectivity will provide people with genuinely life changing educational and employment opportunities.  

“I strongly believe that as well as tackling the issue of reducing carbon output this plan can provide a large, highly populated area, with the opportunities for a better life through a properly integrated travel solution.”