Bus ‘super-stops’ to be introduced between Leeds and Dewsbury

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA), along with Kirklees Council and Leeds City Council say they have been working on proposals along the A644 and A653 roads between Mirfield, Dewsbury and Leeds.

The proposals also include new cycle tracks, pedestrian crossings and foot-way improvements, bus lanes and junction upgrades.

Leeds City Council confirmed a bus ‘super-stop’ is an upgraded bus stop with sheltered waiting facilities, real time bus information and CCTV.

WYCA claimed the proposals could help provide alternatives to car travel, as well as improving journey time reliability of bus services.

The authority added that the consultation would help decide which proposals form the proposed £13m West Yorkshire transport scheme. It hopes work can start on site in early 2022.

The proposals are broken down into six sections, including Tingley to the White Rose and White Rose to the end of Dewsbury Road.

Coun Kim Groves, chair of WYCA’s transport committee, said: “We are pleased to be working in partnership with Kirklees Council and Leeds City Council on this major investment in sustainable transport, which will significantly improve the connections to the public transport network for these local communities and encourage more people to travel by bike or on foot.

“By providing more sustainable travel options, these proposals will help improve air quality and emissions in line with our aim of tackling the climate emergency.”

Coun Lisa Mulherin, Leeds City Council’s executive member for transport said: “These proposals were under development prior to the covid-19 pandemic though feedback from our covid-19 transport consultations have shown support for this work too. They provide new dedicated facilities for walking and cycling, between White Rose and Tingley, plus new bus priority lanes and links. The project will enhance segregated walking and cycling routes between Tingley, Morley and Beeston to Leeds City Centre and the White Rose.

“With the climate emergency and covid-19 economic recovery, it’s more important than ever we can invest in projects like this, so we can help connect people to jobs, leisure and other services in ways which bring public health benefits and meet our wider ambitions.”

The consultation launches this week and runs until September 25. Find out more at https://www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/M2D2L