THE people who have delivered mass transit systems in London, Toronto and Melbourne will now help deliver West Yorkshire’s new tram system.

A consortium made up of Jacobs and Mott MacDonald has been appointed as the Design Development Partner for the system – which will start with a new Bradford to Leeds tram line – by West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

The Leeds/Bradford area is currently Europe’s largest metropolitan area without an urban transit system, but plans for the tram were revealed earlier this year.

But the new line will include multiple stops between Bradford city centre and Leeds city centre.

The Jacobs – Mott MacDonald consortium will support the Combined Authority in developing the mass transit programme’s first phases. This requires taking the existing concept design through completion, providing all professional services and technical support to deliver the network’s first phase before the end of this decade.

Jacobs Senior Vice President Kate Kenny said: “The Jacobs – Mott MacDonald consortium will support The CA 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.”

Mott MacDonald Global Practice Leader for Urban Transit and Mobility Stephen Luke said: “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.”

West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Interim Director of Mass Transit Rob Leech said: “Mass Transit is a significant part of our ambition to create an integrated transport system for West Yorkshire. We are delighted to be working with the Jacobs – Mott MacDonald consortium who will support us to achieve our vision to bring Mass Transit to our region.”

The CA anticipates the early construction stage will begin in 2028. The system will be one of the largest urban transit schemes in the U.K. and the Augthority will continue to work with local Councils to enable future phases of a mass transit network to reach other parts of West Yorkshire.

Mott MacDonald is recognized as a global leader in Light Rapid Transit delivering projects including Transport for Greater Manchester’s Metrolink and the Cardiff Valley lines in South Wales.