Leeds needs accessible transport for all to avoid a nightmare future - YEP letters

In regard to your quest to “unlock the gridlock” of transport in the area and thoughts of how to provide a solution.

There is no quick solution to the problem because the whole of West Yorkshire, and maybe Harrogate and York, has to be considered in any future plans. WYCA has produced a map of a proposed mass transit system that may improve the situation if and when it could be implemented.

Now, according to the YEP on July 27, WYCA is proposing another round of expense to see if they can acquire the knowledge and expertise to run or take control of the bus services. Not surprisingly they admit they lack the necessary skills and are intending therefore to spend £150,000 on “technical expertise” to instruct them.

The gridlock is a result of the lack of a feasible public transport service throughout the area.

Congestion causes severe delays all too frequently and affecting everyone’s journey. Any practical solution has to cover every eventuality and provide a comprehensive and integrated transport system that caters for the demand.

The majority of the population want a system that will allow them available, accessible, reliable and affordable travel whether that is by train, tram or bus.

If those factors are denied them then they will continue to utilise their own vehicles regardless.

How do the powers that be solve the conundrum? The first thing would be to look at a map of West Yorkshire and see how the connurbations are connected to each other and the major cities.

Providing new tram train routes over accessible disused railway lines is another idea that could provide permanent links.

A central underground in Leeds could evolve into an extensive overground/underground system along arterial routes with connecting ends at the outskirts. The LBA link and station is another option that would achieve even more connectivity.

Due to buses being the primary means of passenger movement in the area attention should be given to their freedom from other traffic. This would mean deterring other vehicles using bus priority lanes.

People want to use the city centres for business and recreation but it has to be readily accessible to all. Penalising the majority to favour a minority view will result in falling footfall and eventually closures.

Looking further, too many closures, no business, no customers, no traffic, no congestion. Maybe that is a nightmare conclusion but dream or reality, is that what the city needs or wants?