SMOOTHER transport links, boosting inward investment and developing the IT and digital sector form the basis of a revised economic plan to create thousands of jobs in Bradford and the Leeds city region over the next 20 years.

The bodies charged with delivering economic growth in city region have unveiled a new economic plan with ten “big impact” initiatives to create an extra 36,000 jobs and create an economy worth nearly £100 billion.

The revised strategic economic plan sets out how the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership and West Yorkshire Combined Authority will create the additional jobs over the next two decades and grow the economy at a faster rate than the national average.

Initiatives from both the public and private sectors and the Government will include a “Metro-style” public transport network enabling people to travel across the city region easily and affordably by bus and rail through smart ticketing and clear, straightforward pricing for all forms of public transport.

The plan also foresees building on recent successes in increasing the city region’s share of inward investment and recent growth in the data security and digital sectors.

It seeks to make the city region a leading centre for technology jobs and talent.

Another priority is reducing the risk of flooding to homes, communities and businesses through innovative use of the natural environment.

Roger Marsh LEP chairman, said: “Our revised plan sets out the initiatives that will take us on the next stage of our journey towards making the city region not just self-sufficient, but an above average contributor to the national economy.

“This plan sharpens our focus on delivering that ambition through the £2 billion devolved investment we’ve already secured and the full devolution we are negotiating with government. We’ve already achieved a great deal through effective local leadership and partnership working, but transforming our economy will require us to be persistent, patient, and purposeful.