Study on �Metro-style� public transport system for Leeds City Region underway

West Yorkshire Combined Authority has commissioned a study on developing a Leeds City Region �Metro�.

An integrated and accessible �metro-style� public transport system that is easy for people to understand, access and use is a key Combined Authority ambition. Heavy and light rail, tram-train and buses and the proposed NGT system for Leeds are among the transport modes being considered.

The Study will provide detailed analysis of the best routes and where there are gaps in the existing network and identify a range of solutions with their costs and benefits.

Cllr Keith Wakefield, Chair of West Yorkshire Combined Authority�s Transport Committee said:

�It has long been acknowledged that Leeds City Region needs the kind of multi-modal transport system that you will find in most major European cities.

�Developing a metro-style system with integrated rail, light rail, bus, cycling and walking networks designed to meet local people�s needs, will underpin the economic growth and resulting job creation we are already seeing in the City Region.

�It will also ensure that the benefits of High Speed Rail are maximised across the City Region and act as a catalyst for attracting further investment.�

The consultants, WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff and Steer Davies Gleave are due to report on their initial findings in April, after which a more detailed study on taking forward the preferred options will commence.

Cllr Wakefield added:

�West Yorkshire Combined Authority is already progressing a widespread package of road and rail schemes through its �1bn, 10-year Transport Fund Programme, which is forecast to create up to 20,000 jobs across the City Region. We will be looking at the Study�s initial findings to see how they could complement the Transport Fund Programme and tie into the consultations we will be carrying out later this year as part of our work to develop a new Bus Strategy and Local Transport Plan.�