Consortium named for West Yorkshire tram network

The first phase of the network will create a tram route between Leeds and Bradford

West Yorkshire's new tram network will be delivered by the people behind mass transit systems in London, Toronto and Melbourne.

A consortium made up of Jacobs and Mott MacDonald has been appointed as the Design Development Partner for the system by West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA).

It will start with the Bradford to Leeds line, which will run between the two city centres with multiple stops in between.

It is currently Europe’s largest metropolitan area without an urban transit system, but plans for the tram were revealed earlier this year.

'World-class experience'

The Jacobs-Mott MacDonald consortium will support WYCA in developing the mass transit programme’s first phases, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said.

This will involve taking the concept design through to completion, aiming to deliver the first phase before the end of this decade.

WYCA has already confirmed that two tram routes will be built as part of the first phase of the scheme - one connecting the two cities and another to be confirmed.

Last month, Bradford Council selected a preferred option that would take the tram system through Laisterdyke and Armley rather than see it pass through Stanningley or Wortley.

Kate Kenny, senior vice president of Jacobs, said: "Our teams bring world-class experience on integrated mass transit systems that deliver a positive, sustainable legacy, helping communities flourish."

Stephen Luke, global practice leader for urban transit and mobility at Mott MacDonald, said: "We are proud to be supporting this transformational investment to help drive economic growth, and to deliver social and environmental benefits for the region."

West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Interim Director of Mass Transit Rob Leech said: "Mass Transit is a significant part of our ambition to create an integrated transport system for West Yorkshire.

"We are delighted to be working with the Jacobs-Mott MacDonald consortium who will support us to achieve our vision to bring Mass Transit to our region."

The combined authority hopes construction will begin in 2028.

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