'We need a system fit for the 21st century': Leeds locals share why the city needs trams

Leeds remains the largest city in Western Europe without a mass transit system.

Since the city’s original tram network was axed in 1959, there have been numerous false dawns - plans to restore them were first proposed in 1991 and have included the Supertram scheme that was shelved in 2005 and a proposed trolleybus network that was rejected in 2016.

And in December, the brakes were put on the long-awaited mass transit system for West Yorkshire, with the opening now pushed back until the end of the 2030s.

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin, however, reaffirmed her pledge to get spades in the ground by 2028 to start work on the tram system, the largest local transport project in the UK, which will connect Leeds with Bradford.

Week in week out, we’re hearing from readers about the challenges they have navigating their way through the city centre and beyond.

And when we asked our readers why the city needs a tram system, hundreds of you responded.

From tackling congestion and improving air quality to supporting Leeds’ growing population and making transport more accessible for all, you made your views clear.

‘Congestion is constant’

Karen Duckenfield said the city’s current transport network “is stretched beyond what buses alone can realistically handle”.

She said: “Congestion is constant: Key routes into and across the city are frequently gridlocked, especially at peak times. Buses get stuck in the same traffic as cars, so reliability suffers.

“Population and growth: Leeds is growing fast, with more people commuting, studying, and working in the city centre. The current system wasn’t designed for this scale.

“Limited capacity of buses: Even with bus lanes, buses can’t match the passenger volume and consistency of a tram network.

“Environmental pressure: A tram system (especially electric) could cut emissions and improve air quality, helping the city meet climate goals.”

“Leeds needs trams because a modern city needs modern transport”, she added.

Chris Cook said they were needed to “get cars off the road”, pointing to the impact of trams in Manchester and Sheffield, and Mark Johnson agreed the “roads are stuffed.”

Mark added: “You just can not rely on buses, they run late because of traffic and often don’t turn up at all.”

Bradley-Leigh Wheadon said a tram system would provide better capacity than buses, utilise current rail lines, create more jobs and better accessibility for the city with more room for wheelchairs and prams.

Bill Hewitt added: “[Leeds is] too small for an underground and too congested to do nothing.”

‘Leeds needs a mix of transport to get it moving’

Other readers felt the city needs more than just a tram system.

Con Egan said: “Leeds needs a light rail system from the North, South, East and West of Leeds into the city and when it gets close to the city it should go underground.

“Above ground there should be some limited tram routes, especially where off-road routes could be used.

“Buses should still be part of the mix, but with conditions such as if buses don’t turn up/cut out stops to make time up/not enough drivers etc, the company running the service should incur fines on a rising scale.”

David Taylor agreed that Leeds “needs a mix of tram, underground and elevated light rail to get from one side of the city to the other.”

“Most central roads just won’t cope mixing a tram with road traffic,” he added.

For some readers, trams aren’t the solution to the city’s traffic woes.

Chris Head said: “Instead, spend the money on free bus travel for everyone. Watch that traffic die.”

Ray Milner agreed, adding that a tram system was “impossible”.

“We can't maintain the road infrastructure efficiently”, he said. “What hope have we got for a tram system? Affordable reliable bus services in Leeds are the way forward.”

David Sutcliffe added: “It's too late. They are obsolete, a vanity project. Just use electric buses. No costly infrastructure required. Just give a great service in future.”

One thing was clear - our readers continued their long-held calls for a transport system that is fit for purpose.

“We need a transport system fit for the 21st century to allow us to grow as a city,” Dan Crowther said.