9 Ways Trams Will Benefit Us All – And Generations to Come

Trams could unlock opportunities for people and communities across Leeds and Bradford.

As a key part of the Weaver Network – the new identity for West Yorkshire’s transport system – a new Mass Transit system will integrate seamlessly with buses, trains, walking, wheeling and cycling routes to deliver a better-connected region. Driving change and creating better, more frequent connections, the first phase of Mass Transit will introduce two tram lines connecting Leeds and Bradford.

Here’s how trams could make a difference – not just today, but for people in decades to come.

It can bring people and places closer together

Credit: Scott Merrylees

It’s all about making everyday travel simpler and connecting people with places. The first phase of Mass Transit will see two tram lines connecting Leeds to Bradford and Leeds city centre to the south of Leeds, meaning there could be more reliable links to jobs, education, shopping and leisure. Over time, as part of the wider Weaver Network, it will make travelling across West Yorkshire easier and more connected than ever.

It could enhance local communities

Better connections could breathe new life into our towns and neighbourhoods. The trams could help attract new shops, cafes, housing and green spaces, making places more vibrant and giving people more of a reason to start spending locally. It’s a real chance to foster local pride, revitalising our towns and building communities.

It will help put West Yorkshire on the map

Credit: Leeds City Council

Thanks to £2.1 billion in local transport funding from central government, we now have the investment to bring trams to both Bradford and Leeds, marking a huge opportunity for West Yorkshire. A good transport offering makes our region more attractive to live, work and do business in, helping to put West Yorkshire on the map.

It will give you more choice for your commute

Nobody likes sitting in traffic. Trams can run on tracks separately from cars, and with a large passenger capacity and frequent services, journeys have the potential to be more reliable – and more enjoyable. And with the Weaver Network linking bus, walking, wheeling and cycling to future tram routes, journeys will be joined up, getting you where you need to go, no matter how you choose to travel.

It unlocks opportunities for everyone

From construction jobs to apprenticeships, trams could create opportunities for people across the region – right from the build stage through to tram operation. More joined-up travel also makes it easier and more affordable for people to access employment, education and training – unlocking the region’s potential and raising everybody’s quality of life.

It’s a greener way to get around

Trams will play a pivotal part in West Yorkshire’s ambitions to be carbon neutral by 2038. They work on electricity, which means zero tailpipe emissions. By making public transport a more attractive choice, the Weaver Network could help reduce the number of vehicles on the road, offering a cleaner, greener and more sustainable future.


It will be accessible for all

The Weaver Network aims to put people first, designing transport that works for everyone – whether you’re pushing a buggy, using a wheelchair, carrying shopping or travelling with young children. Seamless links between trams to buses, trains and walking, wheeling and cycling routes will make getting from A to B easier for people from all walks of life.

It will help grow our economy

Trams represent one of the biggest opportunities for regeneration and growth in our history. Introducing a better connected transport network could contribute towards boosting our economy by up to £11 billion. What’s more, the tram has the potential to connect people with better education and jobs, unlocking opportunity for upskilling and inclusive economic growth.

It will build a long-lasting legacy

This isn’t just about getting from one place to another. It’s about creating a network that future generations can be proud of. The Weaver Network will make West Yorkshire greener, more accessible and better connected, creating a transport system – and a region – that’s ready for whatever the future holds.