Reports have emerged that Leeds could finally get its own tram network if rumours that the Leeds HS2 leg is set to be scrapped prove to be true.
Leeds is the largest city in Western Europe without a built-in mass transit system and plans in the early 2000s were dreamed up for a ‘supertram’ which never came to be.
High Speed 2 plans included 250mph rail line linking London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds - but there are fears the Leeds-Birmingham section will be scrapped.
Read more: Downing Street refuse to comment on reports Leeds leg of HS2 will be scrapped
The government's integrated rail plan is expected to cut back the HS2 project and confirm the axing of the eastern leg.
But are now under discussion for alternative options to HS2, according to the Mail on Sunday.
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An unnamed source told the newspaper: “We are considering improvements to bring Leeds into line with other cities.”
On Thursday, Boris Johnson is due to host the Cabinet at Chequers to discuss his ‘levelling up’ agenda.
Presentations are expected from Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove and Andy Haldane, the former Bank of England chief economist now advising the government.
Opponents of HS2 have warned it will cost £150 billion, while the PM has previously said costs were likely to exceed £100 billion.
HS2 Ltd – the Government-backed body set up to develop the scheme – has responded to the criticism, saying it is ‘a project for the next 100 years and beyond’.
It added: “It will add new capacity into our crowded rail network, better connect the great towns and cities of the North and Midlands, and accelerate the shift from cars and lorries to low-carbon rail.”
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