Let's have local transport to match our needs
Author: Lena TochtermannDate: 11/06/2009
Publication: Yorkshire Post
The on-going recession is affecting commuters in Leeds and across Yorkshire. Recent rises in petrol prices and public transport fares are making it harder than ever for many people to get from A to B.
But there was a significant step forward in local transport earlier this month, when Metro introduced zone six and seven Metrocards - bringing in residents of Harrogate and Skipton, who can now commute into Leeds by train then bus on one integrated ticket.
This marks a big improvement for the 10,000 Harrogate workers that can now make the daily commute more easily, conveniently and cost-effectively. Harrogate, Weeton and Skipton are integral parts of the Greater Leeds economy and getting their public transport connections with Leeds right is vital to helping the whole city-region through the recession and into recovery. Decent transport networks will also make the region an even more attractive place to live, work and do business.
So what needs to change to attract the residents of Greater Leeds back on public transport?
First, the city is still a long way from London's Oyster card scheme or ticketing systems in the Netherlands or Germany. Currently the extended Metrocard zones only cover rail travel. Residents taking the bus home from their local station need an additional ticket. As it stands, the Metrocard does not match the footprint of Leeds's economy - and the commuting and business activities it encompasses. And although there are plans to extend South Yorkshire's Yorcard pilot into West Yorkshire, it's a long way from spanning the Greater Leeds area.
But public transport is not just about tickets and prices. It is also about the breadth of service provided - which can help provide the tipping point for people choosing between public transport and the car. Outside Leeds evening transport services are the exception rather than the rule and different daytime timetables, run by different operators can mean a long wait. This is unsurprising when West Yorkshire alone has over 30 bus operators. Over the past decade bus use has declined by 16% in West Yorkshire - compared to a 51% increase in the Capital.
Finally, decision making on transport in Leeds and its surrounding areas does not span the transport movements of the city-region's mobile working population. Currently Metro sets transport policy for West Yorkshire and North Yorkshire County Council sets transport policy across the county, even though parts of North Yorkshire have strong economic links to Leeds. The result is an artificial boundary that does not reflect people's everyday commutes - often meaning that bus routes and rail priorities are not shared.
The current structures are not set in stone. Recent Government legislation marked a move towards public transport governance arrangements that put major cities and their wider economies at their heart. In line with this Metro has made some positive steps forward with a review of the way in which transport is governed across Leeds City Region.
But as it stands, these plans exclude North Yorkshire towns like Selby, Harrogate and Knaresborough, even though they are key parts of the Leeds economy. As the wrangles over transport powers continue, it's the passengers that are paying the price as their wait for more integrated, easy-to-use public transport continues.
Leeds is one of the two first cities in the country to be awarded statutory city region status, giving it the chance to pursue more local powers over regeneration, planning training and transport. It's absolutely key that decision makers across the Leeds City Region can design a transport network that corresponds with its commuters' and residents' needs. Otherwise a decision could be taken by a Secretary of State hundreds of miles away on the city's behalf.
As it stands, the new Local Transport Act gives Government Ministers power to change the way transport is organised in Greater Leeds. But, since councils and businesses know the local economy better, would it not be more preferable if a decision would be made locally? The future resilience of the Greater Leeds's economy depends upon it.
A version of this article first appeared in the Yorkshire Post.
