Tram plans announced for West Yorkshire’s mass transit system

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin has unveiled proposals for a new tram system that will run between Leeds and Bradford, with a later extension to Dewsbury also a possibility. 

Subject to being agreed at a final Combined Authority meeting this week,  this will represent a major step forward for the area’s proposed mass transit scheme.

The first phase is planned to begin construction in 2028 and begin operation by the early 2030s. Future phases are intended to follow and the Combined Authority plan to work with Kirklees Council to look into how to include a Dewsbury Line in future. The full network is projected to be completed by 2040.

The first phase would include two lines between Leeds and Bradford: The Leeds Line and the Bradford Line. The Leeds Line would take people between St James’ Hospital, through Leeds city centre and on to Elland Road and the White Rose Shopping Centre.

The Bradford Line would run from Leeds city centre to Bradford city centre – also linking Bradford Forster Square station with the new Bradford rail station. This line supports Bradford’s plans to regenerate the city’s southern gateway, which includes the new Bradford rail station.

A consultation this summer will see the public asked for their views on potential route options for the first phase of mass transit

The Combined Authority will also work on a £1 million Mass Transit development fund to be set aside to support the Dewsbury Line Development Project, which will look into how to get mass transit to connect Kirklees with Leeds.

The mass transit system will form a key part of a wider integrated transport system in the region, integrating with bus, rail, cycling and walking, so that everyone can get across the region with ease.

The Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, said: ‘Today is a key milestone in our plan to create a better-connected region that works for all. By setting out our plans to submit to government, we are taking a major step forward towards the biggest infrastructure project West Yorkshire has seen since the development of the motorways six decades ago.

‘This will be transformational for the North, helping our communities to thrive and our economy to flourish – benefitting generations to come with greater opportunity and prosperity.

‘We know that mass transit systems have successfully helped to regenerate areas right across the country by boosting connectivity, opportunity and prosperity – and we will work tirelessly to make sure that happens here in West Yorkshire.’