A consortium of Jacobs and Mott MacDonald has been appointed to design the West Yorkshire Mass Transit Programme.

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority has appointed the consortium as design development partner for the project - an advanced, high-capacity public transport system to be integrated with cycling, walking and rail, to connect communities across the region.

With a population of 2.3 million and an economic output of nearly £70bn gross value added, West Yorkshire remains Europe’s largest metropolitan area without an urban transit system.

The Jacobs-Mott MacDonald consortium will support the combined authority in further developing the mass transit programme’s first phases, which includes Light Rapid Transit.

This requires taking the existing concept design through completion, providing all professional services and technical support to deliver the network’s first phase before the end of this decade.

The government has allocated an initial £200m to develop the plans between now and 2027. This would cover design, consultation, environmental appraisal, consenting and some initial enabling works.

Phase one is planned to begin construction in 2028 and begin operation by the early 2030s. Phase one will include two lines serving Leeds and Bradford.

West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s interim director of mass transit Rob Leech said: “Mass transit is a significant part of our ambition to create an integrated transport system for West Yorkshire.

“We are delighted to be working with the Jacobs - Mott MacDonald consortium who will support us to achieve our vision to bring mass transit to our region.”

Jacobs’ senior vice president Kate Kenny added: “The Jacobs-Mott MacDonald consortium will support the combined authority in turning its mass transit vision into future-made designs that connect West Yorkshire’s communities, combat climate change, support a sustainable and inclusive economy, and improve people’s health and wellbeing.”

Mott MacDonald global practice leader for urban transit and mobility Stephen Luke said the company had a “long heritage” in delivering urban transit systems around the world, including in Melbourne, Toronto, Manchester and London.

“We are proud to be supporting this transformational investment to help drive economic growth, and to deliver social and environmental benefits for the region.”