New partnership to deliver Mass Transit once and for all

West Yorkshire Combined Authority has been working with the Government to consider the plans for successfully delivering this game-changing scheme for the region. 

This has included undertaking an independent review, which is part of the usual process for projects of this size and scale.  As a result, a robust, sequential timeline has been developed, which aims to reduce risks and ensure that the project is put firmly on the path for successful delivery.

The revised plan has been welcomed by West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin and Transport Minister Lord Peter Hendy, despite the changes meaning services will now start running later than planned, from the mid-2030s to the late 2030s.  

The Government is also considering adding Mass Transit, the largest local transport project in the country, onto the Government’s Major Projects Portfolio, further bolstering the scheme’s standing as an important national infrastructure priority.    

This would provide access to further expertise and support for the scheme, while also looking at other ways to cut red tape and accelerate the programme. 

In an exchange of letters published today, Lord Hendy committed the Government's backing for West Yorkshire Mass Transit and pledged to look into ways to accelerate the programme in the coming years. The Minister and Mayor both shared their frustration that major projects like this take too long to develop and build in the UK. 

Leeds is the largest city in Western Europe without a mass transit network, and local leaders have long pushed for one to be built to help drive economic growth and connectivity for the region. 

The need to accelerate Mass Transit led to an innovative approach from West Yorkshire Combined Authority, to work on the business case and planning process at the same time. Work on planning will now take place later in the programme.   

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: 

“We are clear that Mass Transit will have a transformational impact on the region and the UK’s economy and I welcome the Government’s commitment to ensuring the best possible outcome for the people of West Yorkshire.

“While the new timeline helps offer certainty for the scheme, I am also pleased that Ministers have committed to working with us to cut red tape and put tracks on the ground as quickly as possible.

“As part of our Weaver Network, Mass Transit is vital for us to create a better-connected and greener West Yorkshire that works for all.”

Rail Minister Lord Hendy said: 

"Mass Transit has the power to transform West Yorkshire – boosting connectivity and unlocking economic growth across the region. That's why I'm delighted to reaffirm that the Government fully supports the Mayor’s ambition’s to deliver this hugely important scheme.

"We are pleased that WYCA are taking a robust approach to planning the schedule for the scheme, based on the tried and tested approach for delivering major infrastructure.  By building on these foundations the Mayor is in a strong position to deliver a world-class transport system that will serve West Yorkshire for generations to come."

Letter from Lord Hendy: LPH - West Yorkshire Mass Transit programme

Response from Mayor Tracy Brabin: Letter from the Mayor of West Yorkshire to the Minister for Rail

Notes to editors

• For Phase one, the Combined Authority consulted on ten proposed route options to connect Leeds and Bradford in summer 2024.  
• The Government has committed £200 million of funding for Mass Transit between 2021 and 2027. Further funding for Mass Transit has been allocated as part of West Yorkshire’s £2.1 billion Transport for City Regions fund between 2027 and 2032.
• The Combined Authority is set to submit its Strategic Outline Case (SOC) in 2026 to provide a robust evidence base. 
• It is estimated that the new date for the start of services on Phase One will now be in the late 2030s.
• A summary of the independent review and the Combined Authority’s response will be published in an update to the Combined Authority at its next meeting on 22 January 2026.