West Yorkshire mass transit system planned as Combined Authority backs development funding
Proposals to make £2million available to support the further development of a mass transit system have been approved by members of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority investment committee. The funding is designed to support the development of route options and the modes of transport that would be the most appropriate for each.
The West Yorkshire devolution deal, agreed in March and currently the subject of a public consultation, includes a Government commitment to explore the case for a modern low-carbon West Yorkshire mass transit system.
The deal will also give the Combined Authority access to a new £4.2billion government fund to support urban transport development which will be introduced in 2022/23.
Kim Groves, chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority transport committee, says:
“Mass transit is essential to delivering a 21st century transport system for West Yorkshire and is crucial to the connectivity plan we are developing to address future transport needs. The West Yorkshire devolution deal has created an opportunity to accelerate this project which will bring benefits across the region.”
The investment committee also approved the next stage of the A64 Bus Priority and Park & Ride scheme in east and north east Leeds designed to improve current bus journey times, encourage modal shift from private car to bus, reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality. The project is valued at £8.88million with the Combined Authority contributing £7million from the Transforming Cities Fund.
A new £5million scheme at Leeds bus station is also planned to upgrade passenger facilities including a new travel centre, enhanced information displays and new solar panels.