Transport experts from the University of Huddersfield and the University of Leeds have joined forces with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) to support the delivery of the region’s GBP 2.5 billion Mass Transit project—currently the largest of its kind in Europe without an established urban network.
A new partnership, known as the Centre for Transport in Cities (Centric), was formally launched during the UK Light Rail Conference at the University of Leeds. The initiative brings together researchers from the Institute of Railway Research (IRR) at Huddersfield and the Institute for Transport Studies (ITS) at Leeds in collaboration with WYCA to deliver transport planning, economics, and engineering expertise to the scheme.
Plans recently approved by government aim to introduce a tram connection between Leeds and Bradford by the mid-2030s. Following a consultation in 2023 that attracted nearly 5,000 responses and strong support for light rail services, a further public consultation is scheduled for 2026, with construction expected to begin in 2028.
Strategic academic support
Centric aims to integrate cutting-edge academic research into the decision-making and planning processes behind the West Yorkshire Mass Transit network. The partnership will also help shape major investments across the region in road, rail, bus, and active travel. Beyond the regional focus, Centric will also produce a transferable blueprint to support similar transport initiatives across the UK and globally.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, welcomed the collaboration: “Our ambition to get spades in the ground on our Mass Transit network by 2028 is on track, but there is still plenty of work to do. That’s why it’s vital for us to call upon the talent and expertise we have right here in West Yorkshire to help us create a state-of-the-art transport system. This will be central to our new integrated Weaver Network and will help us to create a greener, better-connected region that works for everyone.”
Richard Batley, Professor of Transport Demand and Valuation at ITS, University of Leeds, added: “West Yorkshire Mass Transit has the potential to be an exemplar for the delivery of a modern integrated mass transit scheme. Centric will play a pivotal role by providing independent expert advice along with research that identifies areas for innovation and opportunities for education and skills development.”
Professor Paul Allen, Director of the IRR at the University of Huddersfield, said: “Centric offers a unique proposition in bringing together the combined strengths of two world-leading academic transport research institutes. We are very much looking forward to working alongside WYCA and other local and combined authorities to help deliver innovative and sustainable transport solutions across the UK and overseas.”
National endorsement
The initiative has received national backing from the Department for Transport. Ian Mulheirn, Chief Analyst at DfT, said: “DfT welcomes the establishment of Centric, which will help strengthen the evidence base WYCA needs to optimise the integrated transport benefits and value for money of the proposed West Yorkshire Mass Transit. Bringing together leading academic institutions provides an exciting opportunity to support excellent outcomes for the region.”
James Hammett, Managing Director of UKTram, also voiced strong support: “Centric stands to aid the light rail sector and emerging integrated transport schemes by tackling some of the key issues that UKTram and the sector have been striving to overcome. By utilising the expertise of academia, this initiative helps take a step further to ensuring the best outcomes for the UK’s integrated transport systems and we look forward to working with and supporting Centric going forward.”
World-class research capabilities
The IRR, based at the University of Huddersfield, has earned global recognition for its contributions to railway engineering and innovation. A recipient of the Queen’s Anniversary Prize, the Institute leads the UK Rail Research and Innovation Network’s Centre of Excellence in Rolling Stock.
With more than 50 academic staff and postgraduates, and GBP 14 million invested in full-scale test facilities, the IRR focuses on vehicle-track dynamics, pantograph interaction, traction and braking optimisation, and smart maintenance systems. The institute works closely with industry and academia to support the development of a safer, more efficient, and low-carbon rail system.
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