WEST Yorkshire Combined Authority has called on the Government to back its plans to upgrade the Leeds City Region transport network.

The WYCA has bid for a share of the £840 million Transforming Cities Fund, setting out proposals to improve public transport along four key routes in the region and upgrade connections to eight railway stations.

If successful, the WYCA will be able to develop detailed plans for the improvements.

It would see public transport from Leeds to Bradford to Halifax and the Calder Valley improved, along with the route from Bradford to Dewsbury through north Kirklees.

Bradford Interchange and Bradford Forster Square would both also be improved under the plans.

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, WYCA chair and leader of Bradford Council, said: "We have a strong track record of delivering major transport projects.

"We have opened three new rail stations, including Low Moor and Apperley Bridge in my own district, the Bradford-Leeds Cycle Superhighway, new roads, park-and-ride schemes and supported better bus services.

“Our ambitious programme of investment continues through our £1 billion West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund but we know we can deliver more with the right Government support.

“Our Transforming Cities Fund bid is a real opportunity for Government to invest here to connect everyone in the region with economic growth.”