Hopes for 2025 start to work on new ‘mass transit’ system
PLANS FOR a transport network, including a mass transit system, connecting all West Yorkshire’s communities have been welcomed.
The West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA), which brings together the Wakefield, Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees and Leeds councils, has unveiled ambitious plans to improve transport connections for for up to 675,000 in some of the most deprived communities in West Yorkshire, connect up to 35 housing growth areas and 17 employment growth areas and five hospitals, enable a minimum of two trains per hour to and from every rail station in the region alongside improved intercity connections to the rest of the UK, and encourage more environmentally friendly journeys.
The proposals identify where people will live and work in the coming decades, the journeys they will need to take and how best to connect them through an integrated network including walking and cycling, bus, mass transit and rail.
Leader of Calderdale Council, Coun Tim Swift, who is also part of the WYCA, said: “Although these proposals may seem futuristic, the plans will provide a transport network for West Yorkshire similar to that currently enjoyed by those living and working in London. We are no less ambitious for our residents and businesses, particularly as we move towards the recovery phase after the pandemic.
“The plans take a strategic approach, linking the towns and cities across West Yorkshire to create an interconnected and reliable transport network, which reflects the journeys which people make around our region.
“The emphasis on sustainability and active travel is deliberate, providing a range of options beyond car usage, demonstrating our commitment as a region to achieving zero carbon emissions by 2038.”
Holly Lynch, MP for Halifax, said: “It is about time that the government delivered the investment that we need in our region’s transport system. For all the talk of levelling up and a Northern Powerhouse we have witnessed broken promise after broken promise here in West Yorkshire.
“My hope is that these new proposals will help to deliver transport that is fit for the 21st century, which enhances the lives of local people, brings in investment to the area and tackles the climate emergency.
“I welcome any investment in transport improvements in Calderdale and I look forward to seeing how the plans and designs for a mass transit system develop over the next few years.
“It is important to think about how residents and visitors make short journeys between our town and villages as well as how we link over long distances to cities, and we need to ensure the government delivers HS2, Northern Powerhouse Rail and the upgrade to the Trans-Pennine line.”
Martin Hathaway, Managing Director of the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are pleased to support the Connectivity Infrastructure Plan and the Mass Transit 2040 Vision launched this week by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
“It is critical that we invest in our transport infrastructure, joining together our towns and cities and further supporting the planned upgrade to the Trans-Pennine line, HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail.
“It is vital that we provide dependable, valuable connections allowing our communities to access greater education and employment opportunities as well as improved access to housing and healthcare. We hope that greater investment in our region’s transport systems will also play a major role in attracting and retaining talent and business in the North.
“We welcome the inclusion of plans to support the region’s net-zero 2038 goal, reducing transport’s contribution to carbon emissions is key to ensuring a safe and prosperous future for our area. “An integrated transport network incorporating road, rail, bus, walking and cycling will set West Yorkshire on the right track towards truly achieving its full potential in a global economy.”
Coun Kim Groves, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee, said: “A new mass transit system for West Yorkshire will be a key of our transport system, linking our communities with a quick and reliable service and integrated with bus, rail, walking and cycling.
“This will represent a bold investment; a transformational transport system that will benefit many generations to come.”
The plans can be read in full at www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/ connectivity/ where you can also comment on the proposals.
The plans take a strategic approach, linking the towns and cities across West Yorkshire
WHAT DO YOU THINK
Share your views by emailing yoursay@halifaxcourier.co.uk Contact us via EMAIL/ONLINE/TWITTER