Earlier this year details were announced of a major public consultation into the planned West Yorkshire tram system which would, initially, see two lines built including one linking Leeds and Bradford. As part of the consultation Bradford Council have given their views which includes backing the overall scheme as well as giving their preferred route.<\/p>\n
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When the consultation was launched in July 2024, there were three options given for the route between Leeds and Bradford:<\/p>\n
As part of their response to the consultation, Bradford Council have said that option B3 is their preferred option although the other routes are considered viable but less preferred.<\/p>\n
The preferred option uses a disused railway corridor to the north of Holme Wood, a route through the Parry Lane Enterprise Zone and along Bowling Back Lane to Wakefield Road. It would then approach Bradford City Centre via Bridge Street and Market Street before stopping at Forster Square Station.<\/p>\n
The main positives considered on this route are that it directly serves the Southern Gateway area and it would also serve more of the city centre area with potential stops at City Park and Bradford Interchange. It could also be adapted to take in the proposed new through station in the Southern Gateway area.<\/p>\n
It would also serve Holme Wood and allows for better separation of Mass Transit from other traffic, leading to better journey times and less congestion.<\/p>\n
Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council\u2019s Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: \u201cConnecting Bradford and Leeds with Mass Transit is such a huge opportunity to grow our economy and better connect our communities, not just across the district but the whole region.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re working with the Combined Authority ensure the proposed Mass Transit system contributes to significant growth and regeneration in central Bradford and the Southern Gateway and that the designs take into account all the work currently being done to make our city centre more pedestrian friendly.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlongside the government commitment for a \u00a32bn new Bradford rail station we now have a rare opportunity to develop a truly integrated transport hub, working across different modes of transport, with active and public transport as an attractive option for residents and visitors.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe project should also recognise the potential for easing the housing pressure between Bradford and Leeds. Having this Mass Transit scheme in Bradford aligns perfectly to the governments mission to kickstart economic growth and will help people have better access to jobs and opportunities, education and health as well as hospitality and leisure destinations.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Council are also keen that the tram route most supplement rather than replace rail or buses. The system should also be planned to function as part of the overall wider public transport network and how it works for both transport within the city and also in connecting urban communities considered.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Earlier this year details were announced of a major public consultation into the planned West Yorkshire tram system which would, initially, see two lines built including one linking Leeds and Bradford. As part of the consultation Bradford Council have given … Continue reading