Region is to receive £830million to help deliver a mass transit system
PLANS TO develop a mass transit system linking Calderdale and other West Yorkshire cities and towns have moved closer after the Government announced the region will get £830 million to spend on transport.
The West Yorkshire Combined Authority submitted its £920 million bid for a five-year City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement to the government. And Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced that he’s giving West Yorkshire £830 million to develop its integrated transport system.
The Authority is waiting to hear the specific details of the funding, but hopes that it can start developing its plans for a mass transit system and progress plans to massively improve the bus network with bus priority and more zero-emission electric buses plus more frequent and reliable services.
Although routes have not been finalised, it would likely include a mass transit interchange in Bradford with a line linking the city to Leeds. There would be stops in Heckmondwike, Cleckheaton and Junction 26 of the M62. The full network could eventually include a line linking Bradford to Baildon, Guiseley and Leeds Bradford Airport, one linking the city to Halifax, Elland and Brighouse and one linking Bradford to Dewsbury – as well as the direct Bradford to Leeds link.
As the Combined Authority aims to become zero carbon by 2038, some of the new funding could be used to get people to switch from private cars to public transport and to make more safe, green space for walking and cycling.
WEST YORKSHIRE’S Mayor, Tracy Brabin, welcomed the £830 million funding announcement. She said: “West Yorkshire bid for the upper limit of funding as set out by the Government, but our region needs even more than that if the government is committed to levelling up.
“As the Prime Minister said, it is indeed a disgrace that West Yorkshire is the only major region in Western Europe without a Metro system, so we desperately need the government to address years of underinvestment in transport. We’re keen to get more details so we can start delivering a 21st century transport service.”