Metro approves £250m Leeds Trolleybus scheme ahead of public inquiry next monthTransport officials in West Yorkshire have reiterated their commitment to the £250m Leeds Trolleybus scheme ahead of the launch of a public inquiry next monthWest Yorkshire Integrated Transport Authority’s executive board met last week and agreed to give continued backing to the New Generation Transport (NGT) scheme.
A public inquiry on the project which starts on 29 April is likely to conclude in June with a final decision on the trolleybus scheme is expected from the secretary of state early next year. Construction could then begin within three years with the scheme operating by the spring of 2020.
Leeds' Cllr Ryk Downes said: ‘This is good news for the city. The trolleybus will help to reduce congestion and emissions in what is the largest city in Western Europe without a rapid transit system.
‘We have been working on this project for a number of years after proposals to introduce a Supertram in the city were dropped. The public inquiry will now look to resolve concerns with the scheme where possible.'
Local bus operator First Group have objected to the Trolleybus scheme arguing the technology is outdated. It has put forward an alternative proposal involving upgrading its bus fleet and improving ticketing and information systems however this was rejected by the Metro transport executive.
First Group said it will still present its case to the public inquiry, arguing the debate is not over.
Trolleybus is set to run from Leeds city centre through Headingley towards Holt Park and a park and ride site beside the A6120 Leeds Outer Ring Road. To the south the route will extend to a park and ride site beside a junction of the M1 and the M621.
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