Maps
Four interactive maps set out the proposed network and how it relates to the railways and tram plans that already exist. Drag to pan, scroll to zoom, and select a line or station for detail.
How to read these maps
The maps are indicative. Tram alignments follow the streets described in the proposal but are drawn for illustration and would be fixed at detailed design. Heavy-rail corridors follow the existing operational railway. Station and stop positions on new-build alignments are placed at an average spacing of about 600m.
Existing WYCA tram plans against the existing railway
This map places the tram corridors previously developed by West Yorkshire Combined Authority alongside the existing heavy-rail network. Several proposed tram alignments run close to, or parallel with, rail corridors that are already in place, the starting observation behind this proposal: raise the railways that exist to metro standard first, and build new track only where there is no rail alternative.
Phase 1, existing corridors to metro standard
The seven Phase 1 corridors, all running today on existing infrastructure: Bradford (Calder Valley and Airedale), Horsforth, Dewsbury, Micklefield/Garforth and Wakefield (Kirkgate and Westgate). Phase 1 raises these to metro standard through continuous electrification, station upgrades and unified operation, with no new track.
Phase 2, city centre spine and extensions
Phase 2 adds the L1 city centre spine, new heavy-rail stations at Laisterdyke, Armley and Elland Road, the tram extensions to Seacroft and Belle Isle, and the direct airport express to the Leeds Bradford Airport terminal.
The combined network
Phases 1 and 2 together: a through-city rapid transit network of 51 stations and stops, combining upgraded heavy-rail corridors with new-build tram alignments and the airport spur.