Purpose

A report inviting the Executive to consider the approaches to delivering the district’s major transport priorities, including bus franchising, mass transit, Bradford rail, and highways.

Decision

Resolved –

(1)           That the content of Document “I” setting out the strategic transport priorities for Bradford district be noted, including:

(i)         Recognising the role of the statutory Local Transport Plan for West Yorkshire and supporting the development of Bradford district transport strategies and studies to ensure effective plans are in place for the future of the district’s transportation.

(ii)       Maintaining the current mandate for Northern Powerhouse Rail and working with Government departments and WYCA to support specific rail infrastructure improvements for Bradford district and be minded to exploring opportunities for improved rail connectivity between Bradford and Manchester to be brought forward into earlier phases of the Northern Powerhouse Rail programme should the opportunity arise.

(iii)      Maintaining Bradford Council’s role in the WYCA Bus Franchising programme and be minded to exploring opportunities for Bradford to be brought forward into phase 2 of this programme should the opportunity arise.

(iv)      Noting the progress of funded transport capital projects and agree that sustainable transport measures should form an important part of highway project design, alongside other key objectives, where appropriate.

(v)       Noting the progress in relation to the WYCA mass transit programme set out in Document “I”.

(2)           That the forthcoming role of the Executive and Full Council for a decision on the submission of the Mass Transit Spatial Development Framework to the Secretary of State in December 2026 (subject to its legal and soundness assessment) be acknowledged.

To be actioned by: Strategic Director, Growth

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Regeneration and Environment

(Andrew Marshall – 01274 434050)