West Yorkshire Mass Transit Gets Rolling

On Monday 15th July, West Yorkshire mayor Tracy Babin announced Phase One of the West Yorkshire Transport Authority’s Mass Transit Scheme. Phase One would connect Leeds and Bradford with a new mass transit system, most likely a tram. The current proposals (Illustrated Below) include lines connecting Leeds University Hospital to the City centre and Bradford/White Rose Shopping Centre.

Better Quality Version
The South Leeds proposals (Such as the White Rose Centre connection) would also connect the Elland Road Stadium, home of Leeds United Football Club. Game-going fans would therefore find it quicker and easier than before.

Tracy Babin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, spoke about the plans: “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.” She also amusingly stated after England’s loss in the 2024 Euros that: “Football may not be coming home, but mass transit is.” She also encouraged Leeds and Bradford citizens to take part in a survey on the project.

This is not the first mass transit proposal in Leeds however. In 2001, proposals emerged for a West Yorkshire Metro, a 28-Kilometre-long system that suprisingly, wouldn’t connect Leeds to Bradford but would expand east and south.

(2001 Artist’s Impression of the City Square)