There are ambitious plans to bring a long-awaited mass transit system to Leeds by 2033 - but the people in charge of the project need help.
After the disappointment of the failed Leeds Supertram and Leeds Trolleybus projects, West Yorkshire Combined Authority is now committed to bringing a light rail, tram train or bus rapid transit system to the city.
It has begun drawing up the plans, but wants to hear about the latest techniques and technologies that could benefit the project from companies around the world, such as current operators, industry suppliers and system developers.
West Yorkshire Combined Authority is also working with experts in the field, from the University of Huddersfield’s Institute for Railway Research and University of Leeds’ Institute for Transport Studies.
Cllr Kim Groves, chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee, said Leeds will "need a modern mass transit system to connect people quickly and cleanly" but it is "not a solution to all the transport challenges".
Leeds remains the largest metropolitan area in Europe without an urban transit system and earlier this year Prime Minister Boris Johnson described this situation as "madness".
West Yorkshire Combined Authority has already revealed preliminary plans for three mass rapid transport lines, that could link Leeds to neighbouring areas.
Under these plans, line one would then serve Holbeck, Armley, Bramley and Pudsey before heading into Bradford and North Kirklees, ending at Dewsbury.
Line two shows routes serving Leeds Dock, Temple Green, a new park and ride at Tingley, Woodlesford and Castleford.
Line three appears to go through Leeds central station to the arena, St James' Hospital, Harehills, Seacroft and on to Thorpe Park.
However, those plans rely on the completion of HS2, which is in doubt after the government said it will be subjected to an independent review, to decide whether to proceed with the project.
Cllr Groves said: “There is no doubt that if the Leeds city region is going to achieve its full economic potential while at the same time meeting the ambitious environmental goals we have set ourselves, we need a modern mass transit system to connect people quickly and cleanly with areas of growth.
"We want to ensure that whatever form our mass transit system takes it reflects the most modern ideas, technologies and techniques in the world and enables the city region to remain at the forefront of those technologies for many years to come.
“The Prime Minister has acknowledged our need for a rapid mass transit system and we look forward to hearing from him on how his government intends to support us in developing one.
"In addition to political support, this market testing process will secure the input of industry leaders and innovators to help us deliver a ground-breaking network from which people in all our towns, cities and communities can benefit."
Anyone who wants to take part in the market engagement must email urbantransit@westyorks-ca.gov.uk by 4pm on Thursday, October 31.
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