It's about time the Government listens to Leeds and takes our transport woes seriously - the YEP says

It’s a stark statement from the Transport Secretary - but it’s the message we have been banging the drum on to the Government for long enough.

And now it seems Whitehall is finally starting to listen to us.

Earlier this week the Yorkshire Evening Post invited the Transport Secretary to Leeds to witness the daily disruption on our transport network, the pain caused to businesses and families, and the opportunities that exist in our great city. And it seems that Grant Shapps is keen to take us up on that offer.

A significant number of cancellations and delays caused havoc for rail commuters on the first working day of new train timetables.

He said: "So I’m delighted to take up your gauntlet and confirm that I’m visiting Leeds in January.

"I plan to see for myself the investment going into public transport, including almost £174m through the Leeds Public Transport Improvement Programme.

"But more importantly I want to hear about the crucial improvements that must be made to keep this great city moving."

And we’re not going to take our foot off the accelerator with this one.

We’re looking forward to showing him first hand the difficulties of navigating around Leeds’ transport network.

And we’ll make sure the views of our readers are at the heart of this conversation.