The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, has today (4 June) announced £15.6 billion in transport funding settlements, to be delivered by regional mayors. The funding is intended to enable local leaders to invest in transport projects that will make a real difference in their communities. As part of this investment, a total of £3.6 billion will be distributed between the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) and South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).
In West Yorkshire, the WYCA has been allocated £2.1 billion in funding to support the delivery of the West Yorkshire Mass Transit system. This includes the West Yorkshire tram project which will form part of an integrated transport network under the “Weaver Network” branding. In South Yorkshire, the SYMCA has been allocated £1.5 billion in funding to support the delivery of bus reforms and the renewal of South Yorkshire’s tram network by modernising tram stops, providing new replacement vehicles and conducting vital maintenance. This funding boost is expected to enhance connectivity, support economic growth, and improve access to opportunity throughout the region.
Commenting on today’s news about the funding for city region transport in Yorkshire, as part of a wider package of investment in the North of England and Midlands, YU Executive Director, Dr Peter O’Brien, said:
“All the evidence and real-life experience points towards poor transport infrastructure and services acting as a brake on growth, prosperity and widening job and training opportunities. The funding earmarked for South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire is very much welcome. We would encourage the Government to consider the recent proposals published by the Mayors in Yorkshire, on the back of Lord Blunkett’s review, on strengthening transport connectivity within different parts of the region. We also look forward to reading the full conclusions of the Green Book review next week. It is vital that we see a systemic change and improvement in how the Government makes long-term investments in all parts of the country.”
