Is Leeds stuck in the slow lane or a city that is definitely going places?

All major cities with transport networks that bolster their ambitions to be seen as big-hitters, not just in the UK but across Europe.

And Leeds? A casual observer might say the city has had plenty of eye-catching plans over the years that have ultimately achieved very little.

The expensive failures of its Supertram and trolleybus schemes mean it has been saddled with the unwanted tag of being the largest city in western Europe without a rapid transport solution.

But how does that actually affect the man and woman on the street? This week the Yorkshire Evening Post will be taking an in-depth look at the day-to-day experiences of our bus passengers, our rail users, our cyclists and our motorists.

YEP editor Hannah Thaxter said: “Time and again our readers tell us that transport is the key issue for them in this city.

“Our series will examine what the key issues are for those at the sharp end of transport in Leeds and we’ll look at the big plans on the table for the future of transport in Leeds and ask if they are really going to solve the problems.” Transport Secretary Chris Grayling recently insisted that his department is committed to the North, citing a £1bn improvement programme for cross-Pennine road links as proof of his good intentions.

But, talking to the YEP, Shadow Transport Secretary Andy McDonald begged to differ. He said: “We’ve had promises of investment in the North and the Government has reneged on those promises.

“We are 16 million people here, but we don’t punch our weight because of a lack of investment in our transport infrastructure.”

Labour MP Mr McDonald was speaking on a train heading from Leeds to York as he travelled up to his Middlesbrough constituency.

For the record, the early afternoon TransPennine Express service was busy but not overcrowded – and it even pulled into York a few minutes ahead of schedule.

How does that particular journey compare to the experiences of people in Leeds as they make their way around the city each day? The YEP will be aiming to find out this week.

SPOTLIGHT ON TRANSPORT

The YEP’s focus on transport this week will include reports on the little problems that can add up to big headaches for bus users in Leeds.

There will also be a look at train journey experiences as well as an insight into how cyclists cope on the city’s busy roads.

Our reporting team will be taking a leaf from Top Gear’s book when they tackle a rush-hour commuting challenge from Horsforth to Leeds city centre using different modes of transport.

And we want to hear YOUR views on what should be done to help keep Leeds on the move.