25.01.13
Tram-train link to airport ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’
The all-party parliamentary light rail group is pushing for a tram-train link from Leeds to Leeds-Bradford International Airport (LBIA), via Horsforth.
At a meeting on Tuesday, the group outlined progress on the project to cross-party MPs, representatives from the DfT, local government, and the light rail industry.
Three local MPs are to lead a campaign to promote the proposal: Greg Mulholland MP (LibDem, Leeds North West); Alec Shelbrooke MP (Con, Elmet and Rothwell); and Gerry Sutcliffe (Lab, Bradford South).
They discussed a strategy for progressing the scheme, which was described as “once in a lifetime opportunity for lasting infrastructure benefit”.
The LBIA link is currently being examined for possible inclusion in the projects to go forward within the proposed £1bn West Yorkshire Plus Transport Fund.
Shelbrooke said: “The APPLRG meeting was invaluable for getting all political parties together as well as the major stakeholders to highlight the united aim we have in securing a tram-train link to LBIA for the benefit of Leeds, Bradford, West Yorkshire and the North. It is crucial we act quickly and with coordination to achieve this outcome and I look forward to leading this with Gerry Sutcliffe and Greg Mulholland in the future.”
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