Plans for the proposed 14-kilometre Leeds New Generation Transport trolleybus network will be submitted to the Department for Transport on Friday 30 October.

Known as NGT, which stands for New Generation Transport, the new trolleybus network would link two new park-and-ride sites at the edge of Leeds with the city centre, and would also connect the city’s two hospitals and universities.

Modern articulated trolleybuses, powered by overhead electric lines, and carrying up to 160 people, could be an everyday sight on Leeds’ streets in a few years’ time if Ministers at the DfT give the scheme the go-ahead.

Widespread support

As well as receiving widespread support at a recent series of public events, the plans for the trolleybus network are being backed by the city’s politicians and its business and academic sectors.

Environment Minister and Leeds MP Hilary Benn will be joining Stuart Archbold, the Chairman of Leeds-based Archbold Logistics and the city’s Integrated Transport Partnership, and Metro Deputy Chairman Cllr Chris Greaves to see the bid on its way Friday morning.

And in a letter, Leeds East MP George Mudie said, “There is an urgent need for a transport system that offers improved reliability, cheaper fares, frequent services and environmentally friendly vehicles.

“The proposals drawn up by Metro and Leeds City Council for the trolleybus network will meet those needs.”

Positive impact

Leeds Metropolitan University Chief Executive, Dr Geoff Hitchins said “The NGT trolleybus routes will provide an important additional link between our civic quarter campus in Leeds city centre and the Headingley Campus and Headingley Carnegie Stadium just off Otley Road.

Professor Michael Arthur Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leeds said, “The NGT trolleybus network would definitely have a positive impact upon the very busy route between the University and the Hyde Park and Headingley areas where a significant number of our students live.”

Boost

Peter Gilman, Chairman of the GMI Property Company said, “As a commercial development company focused on investment and development activities, GMI Property welcomes the boost that a fast efficient and green trolleybus system could bring to existing companies and those wanting to locate in our city.”

Almost £1/4bn, representing 90% of the scheme’s costs, has already been earmarked for NGT, which now requires DfT approval to progress. The remaining 10% will be a local contribution from Metro and the City Council.

Progress

DfT Officials have indicated to Leeds that it will hear by the end of the year whether it has the go-ahead to progress with the scheme. The next step would be a submission for a Transport and Works Act Order early in 2010 with a Public Inquiry in early 2011. Assuming NGT gets full approval, construction could begin in 2013 and the UK’s first new trolleybuses could be operating by 2015.

Link to the NGT web site.