West Yorkshire and Government united in Mass Transit ambition as LUFC backs plans

Businesses, investors and political leaders have united to reaffirm their backing for West Yorkshire’s Mass Transit plans following a visit to the region from the Rail Minister.

This development follows commitments from Chancellor Rachel Reeves to continue investing in the scheme beyond 2032 – in addition to funding to transform rail services in the region as part of Northern Powerhouse Rail.

Leeds United Football Club is the latest high-profile organisation to throw its weight behind Mass Transit, alongside the National Wealth Fund and leading developer Muse.

Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy met key stakeholders in the region on his visit - discussing the vital importance of Mass Transit to economic growth. 

Lord Hendy said:

“West Yorkshire’s Mass Transit plans have huge potential to transform the region by boosting connectivity and unlocking economic growth, jobs and homes.

“It was great to meet local politicians and business representatives to hear first-hand about the plans and to reiterate the Government’s support for the programme.”

Lord Hendy wrote a letter of support to the Mayor following his visit, which states that he and Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander are “fully committed” to West Yorkshire Mass Transit.

Peter Lowy, Principal of Lowy Family Group and Director of Leeds United FC, said:

"I’m delighted that the Mayor and Secretary of State have reaffirmed their commitment to Mass Transit and we are here to support this important project. Mass Transit is vital to unlock the full potential of south Leeds and truly connect the city.

“It’s time for Mass Transit to roll into Elland Road and carry the city forward — because great clubs deserve great connections, and Leeds should move with the same pride and power as the roar inside this stadium.”

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said:

“We in West Yorkshire are united in our ambition to finally bring a Mass Transit system to our region.

“We have the backing we need and remain absolutely resolute on our mission to deliver. Working in lockstep with the Government and our partners, we will see spades in the ground by 2028.

“As part of our Weaver Network, Mass Transit will create a better-connected West Yorkshire and unlock economic growth in our regional and national economy for generations to come.”

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority is now focused on submitting the Strategic Outline Case later this year, a crucial stage that will define why Mass Transit is essential for West Yorkshire.

Tony Walsh, Senior Strategic Advisor at the National Wealth Fund, said:

“This Mass Transit system will improve connectivity, support sustainable growth and create long-term economic benefits across West Yorkshire and beyond.

“Through our Strategic Partnership with West Yorkshire Combined Authority, we look forward to continuing our support, alongside Government and private sector partners, to help deliver this important project for the region."

Simon Dew, Director of Development Management at Muse, which is leading the Bradford City Village regeneration project, said: 

“The latest commitment from both the Transport Minister and the Chancellor to support the development of a Mass Transit system for West Yorkshire is fantastic news.

“The economic potential of this region is huge - from world-leading expertise across a variety of sectors and outstanding educational institutions to young, diverse and dynamic communities. However, connectivity has always been the barrier to unlocking that potential.

"As a business committed to regeneration, we understand the power of connectivity to drive growth, create new jobs, new homes and new communities. We’re pleased to be supporting the West Yorkshire Combined Authority in its continued work to bring Mass Transit to the 2.4 million people who call this region home.”

A consultation involving all five West Yorkshire local authorities on how the Mass Transit system would best support economic growth and development across the region is also ongoing.

It will lead to the creation of a Spatial Development Framework, ensuring there is a co-ordinated approach to land use, growth, regeneration and transport decisions - supporting current and future phases of the Mass Transit network.

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council, said: 

“We were pleased to welcome Lord Hendy to Bradford to talk through our plans for rail and Mass Transit.

“These two transport programmes combined are going to be transformational for our economy and we look forward to delivering these in partnership with the Government.”

Councillor James Lewis, Leader of Leeds City Council, said:

"We were pleased to welcome Lord Hendy and government colleagues to Leeds so we could show the strength of commitment across the city to delivering Mass Transit, and to be able to demonstrate the major benefits that enhanced connectivity will bring to Leeds, Bradford and the wider West Yorkshire region."