In June 2007, Metro welcomed the backing of Yorkshire and Humber Assembly’s Regional Transport Board, which could mean a brand new trolleybus system in the Leeds Region.

“Gaining the Regional Transport Board’s financial backing is a huge step forward in our plans to develop what could be the UK’s first new trolleybus scheme in Leeds,” said Metro Director General Kieran Preston .

“It means we have an agreed funding source, which combined with the DfT’s acceptance of our business case could mean phased completion of a state-of-the-art trolleybus system by 2014.”

Metro has developed plans for an electrically-powered 20km bus-based transport network consisting of three routes to north, south and east of the Leeds City Region and says trolleybuses would be the best vehicles for the system.

Modern, electrically-powered European-style trolleybuses are quieter than conventional diesel powered buses, have faster acceleration, and would provide a better overall journey experience for passengers. Vehicles picking up their power supply from overhead wires would give the network the sense of permanence that, like a tram, would also help to attract people out of their cars. Electric vehicles are also more sustainable in the long-term, avoiding direct reliance on fossil fuels.

Developed in line with the Government's advice to seek what it called a 'bus rapid transit alternative to Supertram', the new proposal, which Metro currently refers to as the New Generation Transport Project or NGT, is part of the £4.5bn, 25-Year Transport Vision for the Leeds City Region. Metro is proposing a north route through Headingley and out to a Park & Ride facility at Bodington, a south route to a Park & Ride at Stourton near the M1/M621/A1 and an eastern route that would include St James's. Both take into account housing and regeneration needs, all the routes would be connected via a city centre loop.

The NGT project would deliver many of the congestion-busting benefits that a Supertram system would have provided, with greater flexibility for future extension into other areas.  Independent advisers have calculated it would deliver a Benefit/Cost Ratio which meets the requirements of the Department for Transport (DfT), which would expect to fund the scheme from its Regional Funding Allocations with a 10% local contribution.

Members of the Regional Board endorsed the first £150m phase of the £300m scheme from the Regional Funding Allocation at a meeting in Sheffield. A full business case will be submitted to the Department for Transport later this year. Subject to DfT approval, a Transport and Works Act approval and a successful inquiry, construction work on the scheme could start in 2011/12, with phased completion in 2014/15.

More information about modern trolleybuses.