Mass transit taskforce could see regional Mayors handed more powers as Leeds tram plans given boost

Regional mayors could be handed more devolved powers by a national mass transit taskforce.

Plans to build new tram, light rail and bus networks in towns and cities across the country have taken a step forward after the Government launched the new Mass Transit Taskforce.

The group, which includes leading experts from the world of transport, industry, finance and academia will identify the biggest hurdles facing the introduction of mass transit systems across the UK, and how to overcome them.

Alongside this, the Government has announced that it will consult on measures to devolve additional powers to Mayors, allowing them to have final say over decisions related to public transport – including mass transit.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “Mass transit has the potential to transform towns and cities across the country. Creating a better, more integrated transport system will not only support economic growth and new jobs but will also deliver desperately needed housing.

“That’s why I am delighted to announce the formation of the Mass Transit Taskforce who will use their skills and vast knowledge to deliver real and practical recommendations to shape the future of urban transport for years to come.

“Meanwhile, we’re putting power in local hands, empowering Mayors to deliver mass transit in their towns and cities so they can make decisions for the communities they know best.”

Mass transit encompasses networks of trams, light rail and high-frequency buses that move large numbers of people quickly across towns and cities, and has transformed urban life in places like Greater Manchester, Nottingham, the North East and the West Midlands. These systems connect people with jobs, homes, public services and opportunities, while cutting congestion and carbon emissions.

Working independently, and led by Chair Bridget Rosewell CBE, the taskforce will draw on best practice from across the world to make recommendations on how mass transit systems can be delivered more quickly and efficiently.

Currently, factors like planning processes, fragmented funding arrangements and difficulties in acquiring land get in the way of delivering these systems, and the Taskforce will seek to overcome these by identifying practical reforms to planning, financing and delivery models, and making targeted recommendations to Government.

Known as Transport and Works Act Orders (TWAOs), the devolution decision making powers would hand local leaders more tools to deliver local transport systems, which better meet the needs of local people.

“We have ambitious plans for our region, and a Mass Transit system is a key part of that – by improving connections and boosting growth,” said Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin.

“But we all know that there are too many blockers to delivering Mass Transit schemes in this country, so I welcome this taskforce and support any measures that will bring about real change.

“Local leaders know their areas best – putting more powers in our hands will allow us to deliver on the change we know our communities want and deserve.”

Despite, plans to build a highly-anticipated mass transit system in West Yorkshire being delayed by several years to the late 2030s, Mayor Brabin has promised spades in the ground by 2028. It is hoped that any line would run past Leeds United’s redeveloped Elland Road stadium.

Leeds remains the largest city in Western Europe without a tram system, and has seen numerous false dawns since the city’s original tram network was axed in 1959.

Today's announcement builds on a package of measures the Government has taken to give local leaders greater control over transport in their areas. Spending Review 2025 committed £15.6 billion to Transport for City Regions (TCR) settlements, more than doubling investment in local transport across England’s largest city regions.