Welcoming the announcement that the Government has now agreed 'Programme Entry Approval' and £235m funding for the proposed Leeds New Generation Transport (NGT) trolleybus network, and the new southern entrance for Leeds Station, Metro Chairman Cllr Ryk Downes said,

"These two important transport developments will provide a major economic boost to the Leeds City Region.

"NGT will mean quicker journeys into and around Leeds, which will in turn result in new jobs and business opportunities for people across West Yorkshire and beyond," he continued.

Vital links and improved access

"Metro and Leeds City Council are determined that the vital east link to St James's Hospital and the city centre loop will go ahead and we will be investigating ways in which the £15m needed to complete them can be raised.

Economy boost

"The NGT Trolleybus network has the potential to tackle congestion and reduce the city's carbon footprint," said Cllr Andrew Carter, Joint Leader of Leeds City Council.

"It will speed the Leeds City Region's recovery from recession, boost its economy and enhance its ability to compete on the national and international stage.

Investment in infrastructure

"An efficient and reliable transport system is critical to any local community, said Transport Minister Sadiq Khan announcing the trolleybus funding in Leeds today, "This is why we're investing significant amounts of money in infrastructure in towns and cities across the country."

"This investment underlines the Government's commitment to delivering major improvements in Leeds and the surrounding areas."

Having gained 'Programme Entry Approval', the NGT project team can now begin the formal process for obtaining the legal powers needed to operate a modern trolleybus network. The powers will be sought through a 'Transport and Works Act Order' this Autumn, followed by a Public Inquiry in 2011, and construction could then begin in 2013 with the UK's first new trolleybuses operating by 2016.

Watch the New Generation Transport video (NGT website)

Now that it has gained Government approval, the Leeds Station Southern Entrance could be open in 2012.

June 2010: Frustration at major projects delay