Leeds is set to become the first city to trial trolleybuses, following an application from Leeds City Council.

Trolleybuses, a combination of trams and buses, run on rubber tyres but are powered by overhead electric cables. It is hoped that the trolleybuses will reduce congestion in the city, as well as being a quieter, quicker and an environmentally cleaner option. New Generation Transport (NGT) have estimated that they will save commuters over two hours’ travelling time a week. The proposed initial route runs from Holt Park, in the north, to Stourton, in the south, via Headingley, both universities and the railway station. If the act is passed, the NGT service will begin construction in 2017 and should be up and running by 2020.

Carina Derhalli