£270m government investment in Leeds’ transport network reaches completion

Connecting Leeds work to transform transport and travel around Leeds following completion of the “unprecedented” £270m Leeds Transport Investment Programme.

After the start of the programme in 2018, the vision for Connecting Leeds was to deliver a “transformational change” in the transport network and connectivity across Leeds and the wider region, helping to bring people, places, jobs, learning and leisure closer together.

This was to be achieved through improvements to road, rail, bus, park, and ride, cycling and walking services and infrastructure, reducing congestion, and improving air quality and accessibility.

Building on the £173.5m awarded by the government for investment in public transport, Leeds City Council in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and further investment by bus operators has delivered significant improvements to the bus network, enhanced facilities for pedestrians and cyclists and transformed the public realm.

Councillor Helen Hayden, executive member for infrastructure and climate, commented: “In 2016, we started our biggest-ever transport conversation in which over 8,000 people told us what’s important to them and for Leeds.

“After working together in partnership for six years and completing this unprecedented number of projects, we’ve come to an end of this phase of our transport development.

“There’s still much more work to do to meet our transport ambitions and that work continues. I would like to thank everyone who has worked on this programme and to the people of Leeds, for their patience whilst construction has taken place in this phase as well as the next stage of transforming for the city.”

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, added: “We’ve invested tens of millions into public transport in Leeds including many miles of cycle and bus lanes and the award-winning, solar-powered Stourton Park and Ride site.

“Not only has this investment been delivered on time and on budget, but it has provided a real alternative to cars, which will reduce air pollution. We have also created beautiful, green spaces that everyone can enjoy.

“I’m proud that we’re making similar improvements across the whole of West Yorkshire, so all of our communities can live happier and healthier lives.”

By Matthew Neville – Correspondent, Bdaily

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