New Generation Transport

September the 8th will mark the 94th anniversary of the introduction by Leeds Corporation in 1915 of a trolleybus system between Guiseley and Otley. To remind us of the event, here is a photograph of one of the trolleybuses that ran on the route and an account of the inauguration from the Yorkshire Post of [...]

One of the most far-sighted elements of the appeal of trolleybuses is their claim to be the lowest carbon option for public transport. But is it really true?
The Canadian government’s environment agency, Environment Canada, compared several forms of road transport. Their report gives greenhouse gas emissions in grammes per kilometre*.
‘Clean’ Diesel Bus: 1966g/km
Diesel/Electric Hybrid: 1581-1725g/km
Trolleybus: [...]

NGT’s route through the city centre would demolish stalls at the outdoor market.
NGT’s publicity people say they will be ‘relocated’, which is one of their euphemisms like ‘rationalising’ bus stops. They can’t say where the stalls might be moved to, because there isn’t anywhere for them to go. The stalls will be obliterated.
The stalls under [...]

If NGT goes ahead it would remove the cycle lanes along Headingley Lane between Headingley Hill and Hyde Park Corner.
NGT’s publicity team defend this by saying that NGT would add more cycle lanes than it takes away.
But it’s no good having cycle lanes in little shreds that disappear just when they’re most needed.
The absence [...]

Leeds City Council and Metro admit that their preferred option for NGT would involve the loss of the avenue of trees between Rampart Road and Clarendon Road, as well as mature trees in Headingley and at Hyde Park Corner.
They say that it’s acceptable because every tree they cut down will be replaced by three others.
But [...]

Trolleybuses were last seen on the streets of Leeds in 1928. But now, Leeds City Council and Metro want to bring them back. To do this, they need to persuade the government to approve the release of the £250 million funding already agreed by Regional Transport Board. Much of the the money would [...]