The project will be developed as part of a £270 million transport improvement programme for the city.
Features include building the scheme on the existing Leeds to Harrogate line, connecting to the wider rail network as well as to the Airport. In addition, two new stations will be built at White Rose Shopping Centre and Office Park as well as at Thorpe Park.
The new stations would be part-funded from the £173.5 million of Department of Transport funding secured following the decision not to proceed with the New Generation Transport (NGT) trolleybus in May, with the funds needing to be invested in public transport before the end of 2021.
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Other improvements would see access enhanced at Cross Gates, Morley and Horsforth stations and car park expansion at New Pudsey to increase its park and ride capacity. will also progress in the coming months on preparing the city for high-speed HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail (formerly HS3), with the masterplan for the remodelled Leeds Station currently being developed.
City Council Councillor Judith Blake said the plans were a "transformational step change for public transport in Leeds".
"Through the transport conversation we have been given a clear message that people want improvements to be made to benefit all areas of the city as soon as possible, not in another 10 or 15 years’ time but now. I am very pleased to say that everything we are putting forward in this plan is deliverable in the short to medium term.
"Providing a connection by rail to the airport has long been an ambition for the city and this plan will deliver it in a cost-effective way, along with two other new stations at the White Rose Shopping Centre and Thorpe Park to help drive forward job creation, productivity and economic growth.
"These plans all fit with the Department of Transport request that we invest the £173.5million in public transport improvements before the end of 2021, and I am delighted that together with additional funding proposed by stakeholders and private partners we can now do even more to improve transport in our city and make a real difference."
(LM/CD)
