Enhancing bus reliability and travel times on the A64: public engagement

Leeds City Council, in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, is inviting feedback on proposals for Phase Two of the A64 Bus Priority Improvements project. This scheme aims to tackle congestion, enhance bus reliability, and promote sustainable travel options along this key route into Leeds city centre.

The A64 is a critical radial route, carrying significant volumes of local and long-distance traffic while supporting a high-frequency bus service with approximately 30 buses per hour in each direction. However, the current infrastructure struggles to meet demand, leading to regular congestion and delays, particularly during peak times. Without intervention, these challenges are expected to worsen due to projected growth and planned developments in Leeds.

Our Proposals:

• Replacing the guided busway with segregated bus lanes that all buses can use, improving capacity and accessibility.
• Upgrading traffic signals to prioritise buses and pedestrians, reducing delays and supporting quicker journeys.
• Demolishing Shaftesbury Footbridge to install signalised pedestrian and cycling crossings for safer, more accessible travel by foot or bike.
• Enhancing walking, wheeling, and cycling infrastructure, including additional crossings to make active travel safer and more appealing.

These upgrades aim to make bus journeys faster and more reliable, encouraging a shift from private car use to public transport, walking, and cycling. This will help to reduce congestion and travel times as well as contributing to improved air quality and aligning with the Council’s environmental goals.

By improving links between communities and modernising the infrastructure, the scheme will create a more inclusive and connected route for all users, supporting the growth and sustainability of Leeds.

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economy, Transport and Sustainable Development, said: “This phase of the A64 improvements is a major step toward delivering a transport system that prioritises efficient bus travel while also ensuring safe, accessible routes for pedestrians and cyclists. We want these changes to reflect the needs of everyone in the community, so I encourage all residents to take part in the consultation and help shape the final plans.”

Cllr Peter Carlill, Deputy Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee, said: “These proposals will not only make travel safer and more efficient for people along the A64 but also support our goal of creating a greener and better-connected West Yorkshire. We’re committed to working together to ensure these changes work for everyone, and we want as many people as possible to share their input during this engagement period.”

Feedback opportunities:

Online engagement: Full project details, designs, frequently asked questions, and a survey are available on the WYCA ‘Your Voice’ platform.

In-person drop-in events:

• Monday 13 January, 4:30-7pm at The Old Fire Station (café), Gipton Approach, Gipton, Leeds, LS9 6NL
• Tuesday, January 21, 10am-1pm at St Philip’s Church Hall, 86 Osmondthorpe Lane, Leeds, LS9 9EF

For more information or to participate in the engagement, please visit the ‘Your Voice’ platform at http://www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/a64phase2