The Adel to route : FAQ’s

1) What happened to the proposals?

Following a public inquiry in 2014, the Department for Transport (DfT) announced on 12 may 2016 that they would not grant and the West the powers to build and operate the New Generation Transport (NGT) trolleybus system.

When announcing their decision on NGT the DfT also announced that Leeds would still receive the £173.5m to spend on public transport projects in the city. This was an unprecedented move on behalf of the DfT and this decisions offers Leeds City Council a real opportunity to deliver major changes. This funding is being used to deliver the Connecting Leeds plans to transform public transport in the City.

2) What happened to the Bodington park and ride proposals?

A 850 space Park and Ride site close to roundabout formed part of the NGT trolleybus proposals (see Q1 for more information). This land is owned by the .

The £173.5m of DfT funding must be spent by 2021 and for various reasons including land purchase and relocation of sports facilities it is unlikely that a Park and Ride at Bodington could be completed in this timeframe. Additional bus based Park and Ride provision is being proposed at Gates (north Leeds) and Stourton (south east Leeds) and a further expansion or Rd t Park & Ride site.

In addition to the above the Connecting Leeds strategy includes development funding for a new rail station and park and ride facility at Leeds Airport on the line. This scheme would deliver much needed park and ride capacity in the north west Leeds.

3) Lots of cyclists use the Adel to Leeds route so why not deliver segregated cycle tracks in both directions?

The £173.5m of central government funding has to be focused on delivering improvements to the Leeds public transport network. In terms of the Adel to Leeds route this means delivering improvements to the bus network. It is for this reason that our proposals feature new bus lanes, improved bus shelters and waiting facilities alongside changes to junctions which will give more priority. That is not to say the proposals only benefit buses and where possible we are proposing new cycle lanes, tracks, safety improvements and toucan crossings to help promote cycling. We are working with local cycling groups to ensure our proposals benefit cyclists in addition to buses and bus users where ever possible.

4) Will Leeds be getting an underground system?

Although underground systems can help support and deliver economic growth such a system is not deliverable in the short to medium term because of the limited funding available from central government. As an example tt has been reported that the cross- rail project Crossrail will cost over £200m per mile to deliver.

5) What impact will the proposals have on trees?

Leeds City Council recognises the visual amenity value trees provide. Not only this but urban trees can help combat poor air quality and deliver a wide range of other benefits. Wherever possible we have sought to avoid any impact on trees, grass verges and other greenery. In some locations along the route our proposals will have an impact on trees and this is explained and highlighted in the consultation materials. A range of engineering solutions have been explored in order to limit the impact, particularly on mature trees. As schemes progress towards the detailed design and construction phases more will be known as to which trees will be affected and in what way.

Wherever a tree is to be removed three new semi mature trees will be planted in close proximity.

6) Will Leeds be getting a tram or some other form of rapid transit system?

See Q1 regarding the NGT trolleybus proposals. The Combined Authority is looking at what kind of rapid transit solution Leeds needs in order to be ready for the arrival of the first High Speed Rail 2 (HS2) services in the 2030’s. The latest report on this work was published in May 2018 and identifies the connectivity objectives, the strategic case for change, the key connectivity corridors and the next steps. Copies of this report can be downloaded online (follow this link – see Connecting Study download). Alternatively, copies can be provided by the Connecting Leeds team. Funding for any future rapid transit system will need to be secured from the DfT and extensive public and stakeholder consultation will need to take place as part of this process.

7) The Supertram and NGT proposals included plans for a public transport bypass behind the Central (formally the ). Why is this route no longer being explored?

The bypass plans included a footway, two way cycle track and new stops with shelters. This proposal attracted a number of objections at the NGT Public Inquiry. To build this by-pass land would need to be purchased which is likely to require Compulsory Purchase Orders. This process often involves years of negotiations. The £173.5m of central government funding approved by the DfT must be spent by the end of March 2021. A decision has been made by Leeds City Council not to include plans for a bypass as part of this current programme of investment.

8) Why not just make travelling by bus cheaper or free of charge?

Leeds City Council does not have the power to enforce fare changes on First Bus Leeds or any other private operator in the city. The £173.5m of central government funding must be spent on infrastructure projects (like new bus lanes and bus shelters) and cannot be used to subsidise the cost of bus travel.

The proposals presented as part of this consultation exercise will help deliver quicker journey times and more reliable services along the Adel to Leeds route. The proposals will also deliver improved pedestrian facilities, access to bus stops, better bus stops and shelters with real time information, seating and lighting.

First Bus Leeds have committed to spending over £70m on over 250 new vehicles and making a wide range of other improvements to their service. By working together Leeds City Council, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (Metro) and bus operators can help deliver bus passengers improved value for money and an improved door to door experience.