'Two thirds' support Leeds to Bradford tram route

Thousands of people who took part in a consultation on plans for a new tram network in West Yorkshire support the scheme, a report has shown.

West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) said of the 4,845 individuals and organisations who responded, more than two thirds were in favour of a route connecting Leeds and Bradford.

More than three quarters supported the proposal for a line from St James's Hospital in the north of Leeds to the White Rose Shopping Centre in the south of the city.

WYCA said the feedback would help them select their preferred route options later this year, before consulting on a detailed version of the plans in early 2026.

According to the consultation report, respondents said improving connections with residential areas, reducing traffic congestion and providing quick journey times were the most important outcomes for a mass transit network in the region.

The consultation presented a number of possible route options for each section of the network, labelled phase one.

No decisions have yet been taken but the route between St James's Hospital and Leeds city centre supported most by respondents (L1) would run via the First Direct Arena, Leeds Beckett University, Millennium Square, East Parade and Infirmary Street, before heading past City Square and Leeds Station towards Victoria Bridge.

This was closely followed by the L2 option, running via East Parade and Park Row.

The most supported south Leeds route (L6) would run via Holbeck, Elland Road and Beeston before finishing at the White Rose.

This was followed by L7, which would run via Gelderd Road, Lowfield Road, Elland Road and Old Lane

A similar level of support was given to all three of the Bradford Line options, including line B1 (running from Leeds city centre via Armley, Stanningley, Thornbury and Laisterdyke before arriving in Bradford city centre); B2 (via Laisterdyke and Wortley), and B3 (via Laisterdyke and Armley).

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: "This is our region's biggest infrastructure project in decades and will help us deliver on the growth mission to put more money in people's pockets.

"It is time to deliver a tram for the people of West Yorkshire and get spades in the ground by 2028."

University of Bradford vice-chancellor Professor Shirley Congdon added: "We wholeheartedly support plans for a clean, quick, reliable mass transit system, particularly one that connects Leeds and Bradford.

"Such a scheme will benefit students, workers, businesses and residents. It will help reduce carbon emissions and congestion, it will kickstart growth and entrepreneurialism and ultimately boost local, regional and national economies."

Construction is expected to begin by 2028.

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