Universities in Huddersfield and Leeds have partnered to support the delivery of West Yorkshire’s £2.5bn Mass Transit scheme, which could introduce tram services between Leeds and Bradford by the mid-2030s. This collaboration, known as the Centre for Transport in Cities (Centric), brings together the Institute of Railway Research (IRR) at the University of Huddersfield and the Institute for Transport Studies (ITS) at the University of Leeds. The initiative aims to shape the planning, economics, and engineering of the region’s future transport infrastructure.
The collaboration will offer expert advice on key regional transport investments, covering rail, road, bus, and active travel. It will also contribute to creating a global blueprint for urban transport systems. Centric will be integral in providing insights on innovation, education, and skills development while supporting West Yorkshire’s ambitions to create a greener, better-connected region.
In 2026, a public consultation will further refine the proposals, with construction set to begin in 2028. The research and expertise brought by Centric will help optimise the value and sustainability of the Mass Transit system, positioning it as a model for modern urban transport in the UK and beyond.
