A tram-train service has been identified as the preferred option for a new direct rail link between Leeds and Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA).
The findings were submitted in a draft report to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority by engineering consultants WSP|Parsons Brinckerhoff (WSP PB).
In the study, WSP PB suggested that a heavy rail link would be “undeliverable” but that a tram-train, like those being trialled in Sheffield, would offer the most “cost-effective” solution.
However, a rail link has been ruled out to Bradford because of the steep gradients to the west of the airport. Instead, a buss rapid transit system has been advocated.
The proposals are still at a very early stage, with the study not considering issues such as land ownership or funding. The final LBA report will feed into a wider transport study for the Leeds City Region, which is due to be published this spring.
Councillor Keith Wakefield, chairman of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transport Committee, said: “It has long been acknowledged that Leeds City Region needs the kind of multi-modal transport system that you will find in most major European cities.
“Developing a metro-style system with integrated rail, light rail, bus, cycling and walking networks designed to meet local people’s needs, will underpin the economic growth and resulting job creation we are already seeing in the City Region.
“It will also ensure that the benefits of high-speed rail are maximised across the City Region and act as a catalyst for attracting further investment.”
Suppose that a tram-train could happen for the Leeds-Leeds Bradford Airport service and also from Bradford Interchange to Leeds Bradford Airport.
The article specifically states that a rail link to Bradford has been ruled out.
Right.
Sheffield trams climb steeper hills in Sheffield than anything found in Bradford. Come off it – Tramtrains are PERFECT for Bradford AND will solve the Crossrail needs of that city at the same time.
So what you are saying is that Tram-Trains could go to Bradford in the future and would connect both Leeds and Bradford to the Airport with Tram-Trains to be used on the route between the 2 cities and the airport in West Yorkshire. But what you said there. I do agree with you David Spencer.
Look at the fourth paragraph in the article. Are you suggesting that the report needs to be reappraised?
I think you’ve misunderstood the report. The hills in question are between the Airport and Guiseley, where the tram-train route would connect to the train line to Bradford, not in the city itself.