Transport projects developed by Metro and its partners are to benefit from £5.2million of funding from the Department for Transport's (DfT's) Local Sustainable Transport Fund.

'Getting Transport to Work' aims to reduce congestion, connect people with jobs and encourage them to make sustainable travel choices. It will focus on the main urban areas of West Yorkshire where 41% of employment and the largest destinations - retail, education and hospitals - are located.

The initial £4.1m package will include further development of the Travel Plan Network, which is open to all employers in West Yorkshire, to encourage greater use of car sharing, promote 'active travel' modes such as cycling and walking and to create personalised journey planning for new businesses and employees. Job Seekers will also benefit through the Travel to Work project with travel assistance when attending interviews or starting new jobs, and new cycling and walking routes will be created across the county.

The full 'Getting Transport to Work' bid is currently being considered by the DfT.

Metro also played a key role in securing £1.1million for a bid by the Dales Integrated Transport Alliance.

'Connecting the Dales' is a partnership between Metro and North Yorkshire County Council, Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and the Dales Integrated Transport Alliance partners.

A £1.1m package of improvements will develop and enhance the current network of transport services and facilities in the Yorkshire Dales, improving access to jobs and leisure opportunities for people in West and North Yorkshire.

"I'm delighted that these two bids for funding have been successful," said Metro Chairman Cllr James Lewis. "The funding will allow us and our partners to develop transport to support the economy and reduce CO2."

Full details of the bids can be found on the Local Transport Plan web site at www.wyltp.com.