Ambitious plans to reintroduce trams to West Yorkshire, promising a multibillion-pound boost to the regional economy, have today secured a significant funding commitment from the government. Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the allocation of £2.1 billion of local transport funding to West Yorkshire on Wednesday, 4th June, which will enable the Combined Authority to commence construction on the West Yorkshire tram project by 2028.
Speaking ahead of next week’s crucial Spending Review, the Chancellor joined West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin at a bus depot in Huddersfield to unveil West Yorkshire’s ‘transport for city regions’ funding for the 2027-2032 period. This substantial investment will also support other vital transport infrastructure projects across the region, including new bus stations in Bradford and Wakefield, extensive bus priority measures and cycleways on the A641 and North Kirklees transport corridors, and access improvements aimed at unlocking regeneration across six key neighbourhoods bordering Leeds City Centre.
The initial phase of West Yorkshire’s Mass Transit network will see the creation of two dedicated tram lines: a Leeds Line, stretching from St James’s University Hospital through the city centre to the White Rose, and a Bradford Line, connecting the city centres of Bradford and Leeds. This marks the region’s largest infrastructure project in decades and will form an integral part of an integrated transport network, operating under the unified ‘Weaver Network’ branding, seamlessly connecting bus, tram, train services, and active travel routes.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, declared: “It is time for trams – today is a huge moment for our region. The Chancellor’s backing means we now have the investment needed to bring trams back to the streets of Leeds and Bradford – improving public transport connections and boosting growth. We will also be able to take forward other vital projects, including new bus stations for Bradford and Wakefield, which will help us create a better-connected region that works for all.”
Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, highlighted the transformative potential: “Delivering a tram system will transform connectivity across our city, and between Leeds and Bradford, bringing jobs and opportunities within easier reach of thousands of local people. This sits alongside other transport improvements including bus reform that reach out across the whole city. Securing this funding is another important milestone because it demonstrates clear government backing for the scheme, offering greater confidence and surety as we work together with the Combined Authority and partners to bring trams to our two cities.”
Leader of Bradford Council, Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, welcomed the news: “The new tram between Bradford and Leeds alongside the promised investment in better rail connections for Bradford has the power to transform the transport connectivity of our region for decades to come. I hugely welcome this news, it gives investors confidence to keep investing in West Yorkshire and will provide better economic opportunities for our young people as they grow up here.”
The Combined Authority is expected to publish its preferred route options later this year, with a comprehensive public consultation planned for 2026. The wider £2.5 billion mass transit programme aims to have spades in the ground by 2028, with the intention for the first trams to be operational before the mid-2030s.
This significant project is set to improve local transport for over 675,000 people, with particular benefits for those residing in some of West Yorkshire’s most deprived communities. Last year, the Combined Authority sought public input on various route options, receiving a total of 4,845 responses from individuals and organisations. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with more than two-thirds of those surveyed in West Yorkshire backing the Bradford Line plans, and over three-quarters supporting the proposed Leeds Line.
Respondents identified improving connections with residential areas, reducing traffic congestion, enhancing access to employment and education, and providing quick journey times as the most important outcomes of the scheme. In addition to public support, the plans also garnered backing from the region’s business, education, and health leaders.
The tram scheme is a key component of the Combined Authority’s ten-year, £7 billion growth plan, which is projected to support the creation of 33,000 jobs and unlock £26 billion of economic growth across the region.
For further information and updates on the project, please visit www.wymasstransit.com.
