Leeds Bradford Airport train station moves a step closer

Plans for a rail link to and from Leeds Bradford Airport have moved a step closer to realisation this week.West Yorkshire Combined Authority approved the progression of and funding for a scheme to develop a rail link to Leeds Bradford Airport.The West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Annual General Meeting is taking place this Thursday and will approve funding for schemes from the West Yorkshire Plus Transport Fund (WY+TF) and Local Growth Deal.The proposed scheme would provide heavy rail connectivity to and from Leeds Bradford Airport and new jobs afforded by its nearby economic development area, as well as improved park and ride access to Leeds.The total forecast scheme cost is up to £25m and an indicative approval to the total programme value has been approved subject to the creation of a full business case and finalised costings.Development costs of £500,000 from the Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme for the development of the scheme have been fully approved to progress the project through the creation of an outline business case.It is envisaged that the business case will be completed by April 2019.Leeds Bradford Airport has been identified as one of the key assets that could help improve the economic performance of the region and continued growth in passenger numbers has been predicted based on a forecast for the airport from the Department for Transport.With the proposed employment zone that would be home to thousands of jobs, there is significant economic potential to build a public transport link to support the area.