![Directions newsletter graphic: Taking public transport forward]()
In this Directions newsletter we report on vital transport
schemes that could deliver local economic revitalisation.
These include the UK's first new trolleybus network and the
country's most advanced proposals for Bus Quality Contracts, which
would mean a wholesale change in the way in which buses operate. We
also bring you news of key developments such as new stations,
better rail lines, a travel Interchange for Castleford and a new
southern entrance for Leeds Rail Station.
Both the CBI and the British Chambers of Commerce have recently
called for investment in transport infrastructure to be protected
because of the extra knock-on benefits they bring to all areas of
the economy.
Metro will continue to back these schemes and carry on
campaigning to ensure our area gets a fair deal on transport
spending. Over a 10-year period this would give us an extra
£350m of regional transport funding annually - which would
enable us to deliver the comprehensive Transport Plan for the Leeds
City Region.
In this issue
Metro and Leeds City Council welcome the 'go ahead' from the
Government for the proposed new trolleybus network.
'My journey' is the theme of West Yorkshire's third Local
Transport Plan, for 2011 to 2026, which aims to overcome the
local-level challenges highlighted by the Leeds City Region
Transport Strategy.
On Monday 22 March, Transport Minister Sadiq Khan announced
£13m of funding for a new southern entrance to Leeds rail
station.
In early March, Lord Adonis, Secretary
of State for Transport, announced the Government's intention of
building a high-speed rail line to Birmingham, which would then run
on to both Manchester and Leeds.
In late 2009, Metro announced plans to
consult on the introduction of a Statutory Bus Quality Contracts
Scheme for bus services in West Yorkshire.
Bus Quality Contracts would enable
Metro to specify local bus routes, frequencies and fares, removing
the current confusion over different operators' tickets and
reducing the number of service changes.
Metro recently announced its support of
Network Rail's £530m 'Northern Hub' proposals to transform
rail travel in the north of England.
Metro has submitted a £23m
funding bid to the DfT for its rail-growth package, which includes
two new stations, at Apperley Bridge and Kirkstall Forge, and car
park extensions at several busy commuter stations.