Leeds endorses first phase of mass transit scheme
The city council has emphasised the importance of having a tram system in the city, underlining the economic impact it would have in areas such as housing growth.
Phase one of West Yorkshire’s mass transit scheme has been split into three phases and two lines: Leeds city centre and south Leeds, which together would make up the ‘Leeds line’, and the ‘Bradford line’.
As set out in consultation this summer, the Leeds city centre route had four options, between St James’ Hospital and the River Aire at Victoria Bridge, and the council has opted for the route option via Calverley Street and Infirmary Street
The south Leeds route will go from Victoria Bridge to the White Rose shopping centre via either Holbeck and Elland Road or the A653 Dewsbury Road. The council has endorsed the option of the tram going via Elland Road, Elland Road stadium and Ring Road Beeston.
As for the Bradford line, more consultation will be needed before the council can state a preference. The Bradford line will connect Leeds and Bradford using three different routes between either Stanningley or Pudsey, and either Armley or Wortley.
The addition of the mass transit scheme will help the city to reach its carbon net zero targets, cut down on the amount of people who need a car, reduce congestion and traffic pollution, and improve connectivity between West Yorkshire’s two largest cities.
It is hoped that the scheme will also encourage regeneration projects for places along the routes.
Bizarrely all places that are fairly well served by public transport already. What about connecting some of the relatively isolated parts of the city? And let’s face it – and this is a serious comment – nobody in Leeds has any need or wish to go into Bradford.
By Anonymous