It was the project aimed at providing Leeds with a public transport system to finally be proud of. Plans for a new tram system for Leeds were first proposed in 1991 - more than three decades after the city had scrapped its original tramway. Supertram was heralded as the answer to getting people out of their cars and onto trams. These photos help tell the story of its rise and fall during the 2000s. READ MORE: How Leeds twice missed out on an underground system LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
13. Leeds Supertram
In 2003 preliminary construction work started on the Supertram. | jpimedia Photo: Roy Fox
14. Leeds Supertram
Council leader Brian Walker said: "Supertram will ease the congestion in our city, improve its environment... and enhance Leeds's already very high reputation as a tourist destination and modern European city." | jpimedia
15. Leeds Supertram
Four large park and ride areas were to be located at the end of each route, with a total of 4,000 parking spaces provided. | jpimedia
16. Leeds Supertram
But critics claimed this was an insufficient number if the scheme is to be a success in encouraging motorists off the roads. | jpimedia
17. Leeds Supertram
In 2005 the then Transport Minister Alistair Darling said he wouldn't give Supertram the go-ahead despite 40 million pounds having already been spent on the scheme. | jpimedia Photo: Mark Bickerdike