It's been a week which has so far seen Leeds' much-vaunted trolleybus scheme and a new station at Kirkstall Forge stall as a result of the government's spending review.
But from today, Leeds people are being asked what their main transport concerns are at the moment and what they want to see happen over the next 15 years, as well as what they think should be prioritised for funding.
Metro, working in partnership with the five councils of Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield, has launched a public consultation on its draft West Yorkshire Local Transport Plan Strategy for 2011 to 2026.
Branded 'My Journey West Yorkshire', the plan is designed to support the area's transport needs and ambitions by setting out priorities for improving local road, bus, rail, walking and cycling networks.
Councillor Chris Greaves, Metro's chairman, said:
"This is a chance to help shape the future of the transport system in West Yorkshire.
"For too long West Yorkshire and the Leeds City Region has suffered from a short-term approach and lack of investment in transport infrastructure and services, compared to other parts of the country. Having a bold, long term Local Transport Plan aims to address this.
"The government's recent comprehensive spending review and tough funding settlement means that we have to be realistic about what can be achieved in the early years of the plan. However, we still need to plan for further investment as the economy recovers and there are more funding and resources available."
Greaves said the 'My Journey' vision was for a customer-focused, low-carbon transport system that supports economic activity and growth and enhances people's quality of life, and has been drawn up with all transport users - including bus and rail passengers, car and van drivers, freight distributors, pedestrians and cyclists - in mind.
The consultation runs until 17 December 2010. In January 2011, there will be further consultation on the first three-year plan for 2011-14, which will set out initial actions for delivering the Strategy in more detail.
To take part in the consultation online, visit www.wyltp.com and follow the links.
What do you think? Have your say in the comments section below.
