20 September 2013 at 10:11
It was good to read this week that business leaders from across Leeds have spoken up for the proposed Trolley Bus project in the city.
Public agencies, local transport authorities in particular, are grappling with the ever increasing challenges of traffic movement and congestion right across the UK.
Getting in and out of Leeds city centre can be a nightmare at the moment, and as the city’s growth plans gather momentum it is vitally important that this problem is addressed sooner rather than later, before it gets any worse.
A visitors overall experience of a place maybe positive, but if they have a nightmare journey in or out of their destination then they are far less likely to return.
From a purely business perspective the development of Trolley Bus is a no brainer.
Improved connectivity across the city and city centre will make it easier for people to travel to work, and access the great range of attractions Leeds boasts in both the retail and leisure sectors.
The scheme will create up to 4,000 jobs, and offer opportunities to local firms as a result of the construction, operation and maintenance of NGT.
The project will also provide greater incentive for potential inward investors, whilst giving more confidence to indigenous businesses that have plans to grow, knowing that they can expand in Leeds as their ambitions are matched by infrastructure schemes such as NGT.
All major regeneration projects, particularly those that are offering new, innovative solutions to old problems, have opponents and sceptics. To them I would ask ‘what is the realistic alternative?’
A city that has gone through the sort of transformation that Leeds has enjoyed in recent times needs modern, twenty first century facilities to match its status as the economic driver for the city region. Trolley Bus is an essential addition to Leeds’ growth plan.