Real Journalism by Leeds Hacks

The Connecting Leeds Programme has been completed

buildings and car on the road
Phan Ngo
Following the completion of the historic £270 million Leeds Transport Investment Programme, Connecting Leeds revolutionise transportation and travel around Leeds.

After the initiative began in 2018, the goal of Connecting Leeds was to connect customers, places, jobs, learning, and leisure closer together by bringing about a remarkable improvement in the region’s connectivity and transportation system.

This was to be accomplished by upgrading the infrastructure and services to the road, train, bus, park and ride, cycling, and walking, reducing traffic jams, along with enhancing accessibility and air quality.

People sitting at bus top waiting for a bus
Phan Ngo The improvement to bus stops makes it easier for passengers to track their buses

Leeds City Council, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, and additional bus operator investments have improved greatly the bus network, optimised facilities for pedestrians and cyclists, and transformed the public realm, building on the £173.5 million in government funding for investments in public transportation.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:

“We’ve invested tens of millions into public transport in Leeds including many miles of cycle and bus lanes and the award-winning, solar-powered Stourton Park and Ride site.

“Not only has this investment been delivered on time and on budget, but it has provided a real alternative to cars, which will reduce air pollution. We have also created beautiful, green spaces that everyone can enjoy.”

Woman walking on the road
Phan Ngo

Councillor Helen Hayden, an executive member for infrastructure and climate of Leeds City Council, said:

“I’m delighted and proud to have experienced the completion of so many schemes across Leeds – from the UK’s first fully solar powered Stourton park and ride site to the wider pavements and bus priorities along the Headrow.”

She added: “There’s still much more work to do to meet our transport ambitions and that work continues. I would like to thank everyone who has worked on this programme and to the people of Leeds, for their patience whilst construction has taken place in this phase as well as the next stage of transforming for the city.”

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