Why trolleybus could be answer to Leeds’ problems

IN response to Mr Peirson’s recent letter regarding the proposed NGT Leeds Trolleybus (Yorkshire Post, May 4), I can assure him that far from being quiet, Metro and Leeds City Council have been continuously making the strongest possible case to the Government and reiterating Leeds’ urgent and long-overdue need for a modern transport system.

It was as a result of this work that in March this year, Secretary of State for Transport, Philip Hammond visited Leeds for a comprehensive briefing about the trolleybus scheme and to see, at first-hand, some of the route that it would serve.

Mr Hammond described the visit as “constructive and useful”. As a result, NGT is currently in the process of evaluation by the Government to determine if funding can be confirmed.

Mr Peirson is correct when he points out that parts of Leeds’ road network still retain their original tram reservations.

However, a significant part of the major cost saving in constructing a trolleybus network instead of a tram is because a trolleybus can, and will mostly, use existing highways with overheard cables added to provide its power.

The Department for Transport has consistently reiterated its view that light rail is not currently an affordable option for Leeds and specifically encouraged the city to develop a bus-based alternative, which is why Metro and Leeds City Council have prudently followed their advice.