Leeds trams timeline delayed
Delivery of the mass transit scheme has been delayed until the late 2030s, with both the West Yorkshire Mayor and the transport minister noting ‘major projects like this take too long to develop and build in the UK’.
The revised timetable follows an independent review into the scheme, which has received £40m of funding for detailed planning and development work on the proposed trams.
The trams are a key part of WYCA’s so-called Weaver Network, which will link bus, train, and tram travel for passengers in a system similar to that in London.
The exact tram routes have not been finalised yet, but will focus on linking Leeds centre with south Leeds corridors and Bradford.
The revised plan has pushed the completion date back from the mid-2030s to the late 2030s, with West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin still planning on getting spades in the ground by 2028.
The government is also considering adding the mass transit scheme, the largest local transport project in the country, to the Major Projects Portfolio, further highlighting the project as an important national infrastructure priority.
This would provide access to further expertise and support, while also looking at other ways to cut red tape and accelerate the programme.
Leeds is the largest city in Western Europe without a mass transit network, and local leaders have long pushed for one to be built to help drive economic growth and connectivity for the region.
Tracy Brabin said: “While the new timeline helps offer certainty for the scheme, I am also pleased that Ministers have committed to working with us to cut red tape and put tracks on the ground as quickly as possible.
“As part of our Weaver Network, mass transit is vital for us to create a better-connected and greener West Yorkshire that works for all.”
Rail minister Lord Hendy said: “Mass transit has the power to transform West Yorkshire – boosting connectivity and unlocking economic growth across the region.
“That’s why I’m delighted to reaffirm that the government fully supports the Mayor’s ambition’s to deliver this hugely important scheme.
“We are pleased that WYCA are taking a robust approach to planning the schedule for the scheme, based on the tried and tested approach for delivering major infrastructure.”
