01.03.16
Leeds could get tram-train link to airport
A tram-train service has been mooted as the preferred option for a direct rail link between Leeds and Leeds Bradford Airport.
Engineering consultants WSP/Parsons Brinckerhoff suggested in a draft report submitted to West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA)’s transport committee on 26 February that the vehicles, which can run on both train and tram lines, would be the most cost-effective solution.
WYCA has now commissioned a study on developing a Metro-style public transport system for Leeds.
Cllr Keith Wakefield, chair of WYCA’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.”
The UK’s first tram-trains have arrived in South Yorkshire in preparation for being run on Sheffield’s tram and train network by 2017. The most recent edition of RTM includes an interview with Simon Coulthard, head of tram-train projects at Network Rail, who spoke to us after the government approved a joint Transports and Work Act Order application to build the new Tinsley Chord from Sheffield to Rotherham.
Tram-train is also being considered for the Glasgow Airport rail link.
Last week, a Transport Select Committee report stated that the UK needs better rail surface access to airports. And HS2’s chair Sir David Higgins launched the ‘HS2: Changing Britain’ report, which said that innovation is needed to ensure HS2 succeeds.