Ambitious plans to bring trams back to West Yorkshire, and
deliver a multibillion-pound boost to the economy, have secured a
major funding boost from the government.
The Chancellor today (Wednesday 4th June)
announced the allocation of £2.1 billion of local transport
funding to West Yorkshire which will enable the Combined
Authority to get spades in the ground on West Yorkshire's tram
project by 2028.
Speaking ahead of next week's Spending Review, the Chancellor
joined West Yorkshire Mayor at a bus depot in
Huddersfield where she unveiled West Yorkshire's 'transport for
city regions' funding for 2027-2032. The funding will also
support other vital transport infrastructure projects across the
region including new bus stations in Bradford and Wakefield,
extensive bus priority measures and cycleways on the A641 and
North Kirklees transport corridors, and access improvements to
unlock regeneration across six key neighbourhoods bordering on
Leeds City Centre.
The first phase of West Yorkshire's Mass Transit network will
create two tram lines - a Leeds Line, running from St James's
University Hospital through the city centre to the White Rose,
and a Bradford Line, connecting Bradford and Leeds city centres.
This represents the region's biggest infrastructure project in
decades and will form part of an integrated transport network,
under the single Weaver Network branding, connecting bus, tram
and train services as well as walking and cycling routes.
, Mayor of West Yorkshire,
said: "It is time for trams - today is a huge
moment for our region.
"The Chancellor's backing means we now have the investment needed
to bring trams back to the streets of Leeds and Bradford -
improving public transport connections and boosting growth.
"We will also be able to take forward other vital projects,
including new bus stations for Bradford and Wakefield, which will
help us create a better-connected region that works for all."
Councillor , leader of Leeds City Council,
said: "Delivering a tram system will transform
connectivity across our city, and between Leeds and Bradford,
bringing jobs and opportunities within easier reach of thousands
of local people. This sits alongside other transport improvements
including bus reform that reach out across the whole city.
"Securing this funding is another important milestone because it
demonstrates clear government backing for the scheme, offering
greater confidence and surety as we work together with the
Combined Authority and partners to bring trams to our two
cities."
The Combined Authority will publish its preferred route options
later this year, with a full public consultation planned during
2026.
The £2.5bn mass transit programme will have spades in the ground
by 2028, with the intention for the first trams to be operating
before the mid-2030s.
The project will improve local transport for over 675,000 people
and benefit those in some of West Yorkshire's most deprived
communities.
Last year the Combined Authority asked for the public's views on
different route options, with 4,845 individuals and organisations
in total having their say.
More than two thirds of those surveyed in West Yorkshire backed
the Bradford Line plans, while more than three quarters supported
the proposed Leeds Line.
Respondents said improving connections with residential areas,
reducing traffic congestion, improving access to employment and
education, and providing quick journey times were the most
important outcomes.
In addition to the thousands of responses from members of the
public, the plans also received support from the region's
business, education, and health leaders.
The scheme is included in the Combined Authority's ten-year,
£7billion growth plan, which could support the creation of 33,000
jobs and unlock £26billion of economic growth.
For more information and for updates on the project, visit
www.wymasstransit.com
Notes to editors
- The allocation of £2.1 billion of funding covers the
financial period 2027-32 and will allow the Combined Authority to
begin construction on the Leeds and Bradford Lines, with spades
in the ground planned by 2028.
- Further funding for the Mass Transit programme will be sought
from future financial periods.
- As the first phase gets underway, we will continue to develop
our plans for the rest of the region, ensuring that no part of
West Yorkshire is left behind.
- Over the coming months, the Combined Authority will continue
to undertake environmental and technical assessments, alongside
engaging with landowners, communities, local authority partners,
the Department for Transport and other statutory organisations
and stakeholders.
- In addition, engagement will be taking place with industry
experts to help inform the scheme's delivery and commercial
strategy.
