The UK's first modern trolleybus scheme is one step closer to becoming a reality for commuters and residents in Leeds, and to benefiting from £235m worth of Government funding.

The plans, which have received Programme Entry status from Government, would deliver a high-quality rapid transport system similar to those in Athens and Lyon, to transport people into Leeds city centre.

Like trams, trolleybuses are powered by overhead electric cables. But while trams run on tracks, the trolleybus would use the road either alongside other vehicles or on its own segregated routes, and have priority at junctions on routes in South and North Leeds.

The proposals would mean a £235m contribution from the Department for Transport with the remaining funding being provided by local authorities.

The scheme would see the construction of a new entrance over the River Aire providing easy, and step free, access to the station by way of the Western Footbridge.  This would improve access from the south to the station, enabling passengers to enter the station without going through the Neville Street tunnel and the Rotunda steps, or New Station Street in the case of those needing step-free access, thus reducing journey times for those wanting to visit the south of the city.