Design Development Partner Appointed for West Yorkshire Tram Network

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) has designated a consortium, comprising Jacobs and Mott MacDonald, as the Design Development Partner for the region’s forthcoming tram network. This consortium possesses experience from its involvement in mass transit systems in London, Toronto, and Melbourne. The project’s initial phase will concentrate on the Bradford to Leeds line, which is planned to operate between the two city centres, incorporating numerous intermediate stops. West Yorkshire is currently recognized as Europe’s largest metropolitan area without an urban transit system, though proposals for the tram were disclosed earlier in the current year. As reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), the Jacobs-Mott MacDonald consortium is set to assist WYCA in advancing the initial stages of the mass transit program. This undertaking involves progressing the concept design to its finalization, with the goal of completing the first phase prior to the close of this decade. WYCA has previously affirmed that the scheme’s first phase will include the construction of two tram routes: one linking the two cities, and a second route yet to be specified. Last month, Bradford Council endorsed a preferred option for the tram system to traverse Laisterdyke and Armley, as opposed to Stanningley or Wortley. Kate Kenny, Senior Vice President of Jacobs, stated: “Our teams bring world-class experience on integrated mass transit systems that deliver a positive, sustainable legacy, helping communities flourish.” Stephen Luke, Global Practice Leader for Urban Transit and Mobility at Mott MacDonald, commented: “We are proud to be supporting this transformational investment to help drive economic growth, and to deliver social and environmental benefits for the region.” Rob Leech, Interim Director of Mass Transit for the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, remarked: “Mass Transit is a significant part of our ambition to create an integrated transport system for West Yorkshire. “We are delighted to be working with the Jacobs-Mott MacDonald consortium who will support us to achieve our vision to bring Mass Transit to our region.” The combined authority anticipates that construction will commence in 2028.