Plans have been unveiled for the first two lines on the proposed West Yorkshire tram system, after former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced funding for the scheme as one result of abandoning Phases 2A and 2B of HS2 between the West Midlands, Crewe and Manchester.

A public consultation has been launched by West Yorkshire Combined Authority, which is suggesting that Phase 1 of the tram scheme would see links built between central and south Leeds, and also between Leeds and Bradford.

The publication of the proposals follows a meeting last week with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to discuss how the Metro Mayors will help with the government's mission for growth.

Leeds and Bradford have been chosen as the hubs from which the West Yorkshire network can grow, as they are the region’s most concentrated centres of population, business, leisure and shopping. 

All potential phase one options for the Leeds Line run close to the White Rose Centre, with two route options also running close to Elland Road.

Some of the other places the proposed route would aim to connect include Leeds General Infirmary, The South Bank, Holbeck and Beeston.

The Bradford Line will connect Bradford city centre and Leeds city centre. The proposed route would include areas such as Thornbury, Laisterdyke, Pudsey, Armley and Wortley.

The Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: ‘West Yorkshire is a truly special place to live and work, but learning, earning a living or spending time with friends and family should not be limited by a difficult journey.

‘A crucial part of our growth mission, Mass Transit will transform the transport options available to the people of West Yorkshire, as well as attracting investment into the region and boosting our economy.

‘We want to create a better-connected West Yorkshire, with a Mass Transit system that is affordable, easy to use, and safe and secure for all.’

Once the preferred routes have been developed, a further statutory consultation will follow in 2025. This consultation will include proposals for tram stops, depots, potential park and ride sites and engineering works. 

The Combined Authority said it will continue to work with Kirklees Council on the Dewsbury Line Development Project, and also with Calderdale and Wakefield councils on future phases.