Otley and Yeadon councillor Ryk Downes took over as Chairman of Metro at the Annual General Meeting of the West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Authority (WYPTA) in Leeds today.
Formerly Metro’s Deputy Chairman, Councillor Downes heads the PTA’s ruling Conservative / Liberal Democrat alliance. Councillor Stanley King, who has been Chairman for the past year, is now Deputy Chairman.
Taking up his role as Metro Chairman, Councillor Downes said, "I am passionate about public transport and the social, economic and environmental benefits it can deliver for West Yorkshire and the Leeds City Region.
"I want this coming year to be one in which Metro can progress the key initiatives which we need to fight congestion on our roads."
"We need to gain Government approval for the New Generation Transport trolleybus scheme for Leeds, now that funding for the scheme has been earmarked by the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Transport Board, and also to secure the trial of new, tram-train technology on the York Harrogate rail line into Leeds.
"We also need to continue working closely with the bus and rail operating companies on improvements to the existing networks and progressing major schemes such as the £13m Castleford Interchange, which will transform transport in the town, and new bus stations for Pudsey and Brighouse.
"Design work is due to get underway on our planned new rail stations at Kirkstall and Apperley Bridge, further detailed plans for developing a new southern entrance to Leeds station and Wakefield Westgate are being drawn up and improvement work for Halifax station is in the pipeline.
"Transport is key to all of our lives and I want to involve everyone - councillors, MPs, business leaders, local communities and individuals - in securing the Government spending on transport that will ensure our region can continue to thrive and grow."
Councillor Downes has been a Leeds city councillor for three years. He is currently Lead Member for Development and has in the past held the posts of Lead Member for City Services/Enforcement and Lead Member for Central and Corporate/Human Resources and ICT.
