A Mott MacDonald and Jacobs consortium has been appointed as the design development partner for the next phase of the £2.5 billion West Yorkshire Mass Transit Programme.
The advanced, high-capacity public transport system is one of the largest urban transit schemes in the UK, to be integrated with cycling, walking, and rail, to connect communities across the region.
West Yorkshire remains Europe’s largest metropolitan area without an urban transit system, with a population of 2.3 million and economic output of nearly £70 billion GVA.
The consortium will support the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) in further developing the mass transit programme’s first phases, which includes Light Rapid Transit (LRRT), also known as Light Metro, a rail system that carries more passengers than light rail but fewer than heavy-rail rapid transit.
This requires taking the existing concept design through to completion, providing all professional services and technical support to deliver the network’s first phase before the end of this decade.
LRRT is a technological development of streetcars (trams), usually powered by overhead electrical wires and operated along tracks.
They can be cheaper to build because the vehicles are smaller, can turn tighter curves, and climb steeper grades than standard rapid transit vehicles.
Mott MacDonald has an established relationship with WYCA, serving as Stakeholder Engagement Advisor on the Mass Transit Programme.
Mott MacDonald’s record in LRRT delivery includes for Greater Manchester’s Metrolink and the Cardiff Valley lines in South Wales.
Its capability in mass transit extends to the Northern Line Extension and Elizabeth line in London, Sydney Metro in Australia, and the Scarborough Subway Extension Project in Canada.
The early construction stage is anticipated to begin in 2028, with Phase One to include two lines serving Leeds and Bradford.
The WYCA said it will continue to work with local authorities to enable future phases of a mass transit network to reach other parts of West Yorkshire.
“With a long heritage in delivering urban transit systems around the world, including in Melbourne, Toronto, Manchester and London we are proud to be supporting this transformational investment to help drive economic growth, and to deliver social and environmental benefits for the region,” said Mott MacDonald global practice leader for urban transit and mobility, Stephen Luke.
Jacobs senior vice president, Kate Kenny, said: “The Jacobs-Mott MacDonald consortium will support The Combined Authority in turning its mass transit vision into future-made designs that connect West Yorkshire’s communities, combat climate change, support a sustainable and inclusive economy, and improve people’s health and wellbeing.
“Our teams bring world-class experience on integrated mass transit systems that deliver a positive, sustainable legacy, helping communities flourish.”
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