Contract for city’s transport put out to tender
LONG-AWAITED PLANS for a £270m transformation of public transport in Leeds have moved a step closer.
Leeds City Council has now opened the tendering process for a contract to deliver its transport masterplan by 2021.
The Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme – now known as Connecting Leeds – includes plans for three new railway stations, 2,000 extra parkand-ride spaces, 1,000 bus stops and a vision for more than 90 per cent of core bus services to run every 10 minutes during peak times.
Cash for the masterplan is made up from £173m of Government funding following the failure of the NGT Trolleybus mass transit scheme, more than £8m from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and investment from private-sector transport firms.
In September, the council appointed professional services and engineering consultancy firm WSP as its “development partner” for bus infrastructure to help draw up outline business cases and feasibility designs for Connecting Leeds.
Now it is seeking expressions of interest over the next four weeks for companies to bid to for a “delivery partner” contract, to then undertake the construction and labour work to carry out the plans.
A report, prepared by council officers, said the investment in the city’s transport network is necessary as the city continues to thrive.
The report said: “Alongside the planned housing growth that is required in future years, it means significant investment in the transport system is needed in the short, medium and long term to support the level of growth anticipated.
“Our vision is for Leeds to be a compassionate, caring city with a transport system that helps all our residents benefit from the city’s economic growth.”
The council aims to formally appoint the delivery partner by July, following the four-week window for expressions of interest from businesses for the contract.