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Leeds trolleybus plan 'not dead yet'
THE new public transport boss for Leeds pledged that the battle to see trolleybuses on our streets was not over yet.
Coun Ryk Downes, new chairman of Metro, said the 300m scheme to ease congested Leeds was still going ahead, despite fears that earmarked cash could be at risk.
It was revealed in the Yorkshire Evening Post that the proposed trolleybus scheme could be in jeopardy as the Government tried to find huge sums of money for the 2012 Olympics.
Coun Downes said: "We have been down this sorry route before with Supertram. The Government pulled the plug on the planned Supertram scheme, announcing it just days after the Olympics bid in London was confirmed.
"We feel trolleybuses are certainly the best option. Leeds is the largest city in Western Europe without a rapid transport system such as a tram or trolleybus.
"It is desperately needed and the plans are now on show to the public to gather opinion. The cash is earmarked, it just needs a Government stamp."
The cost of tackling the recession has fuelled speculation that the Government is set to make deep cuts to its 2.1bn local transport budget.
Fears are mounting among MPs at Westminster that ministers will cut regional funds while protecting cash being ploughed into London rail schemes and transport for the 2012 Olympics.
Coun Downes added: "Other smaller cities like Nottingham have a tram, as does Manchester, Newcastle has a Metro system.
"Leeds is desperate for a New Generation Transport (NGT) system to alleviate congestion and make access easier for everyone."
Coun Downes, just named as head of public transport for West Yorkshire, said he was aware that public transport was a hot topic and improvements were constantly needed.
Coun Downes said one of his main priorities was to encourage more people to use public transport, despite recent outcries about bus cuts.
He said: "It's beyond mine and Metro's control to stop bus cuts completely. Metro simply co-ordinates the transport system in West Yorkshire, but I feel there should be an alternative if bus companies do decide to make cut-backs.
"Where there is low passenger use, it is difficult as bus services are not environmentally viable, they cannot be justified.
"But I feel bus cuts should only come as a last resort.
"It is devastating for communities when a bus stops, maybe the cuts could be better managed and alternatives offered."
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Weather for Leeds
Sunday 12 February 2012
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