Centric (Centre for Transport in Cities)

UoL and UoH have formed a strategic alliance with WYCA to launch a new research and advisory capability in the form of Centric.

Supporting WYCA in delivering the £2.5bn West Yorkshire mass transit scheme, alongside major regional investments in road, rail, bus and active travel, Centric combines the capabilities of two internationally leading transport research groups, the Institute for Transport Studies (ITS) at Leeds and Huddersfield’s Institute of Railway Research (IRR).

The new virtual Centre will provide a unique proposition that brings together two fundamental disciplines in the delivery of mass transit schemes – transport planning and economics and railway systems engineering – together with an opportunity to access the wider research capabilities of both institutions across a broad range of relevant subject areas.

Building upon the initial £200m tranche of Government investment in WYCA’s mass transit scheme, the Centre will initially support the planning, design and business case development phases of the proposed mass transit scheme. Providing independent expert advice, research and innovation, and opportunities for education and skills development, Centric is expected to play a pivotal role in making the proposed system an exemplar for the delivery of a modern integrated mass transit scheme, by:

• Providing client-side, independent expert advice;
• researching a range of areas to identify opportunities for innovation and better understand key factors for success;
• de-risking and enhancing the business case for mass transit and bus reform;
• supporting the planning, design, build and operational phases;
• delivering knowledge transfer, education and training; and more generally:
• helping to maximise the legacy value to the regional economy, drive sustainability through innovation and extend asset life.

Beyond the West Yorkshire region, the Centre will work alongside key stakeholders, building a collective body of expertise and developing a blueprint to support similar urban transport schemes, both domestically and overseas.

Impact

This is a project of strategic importance, with support from UoL Executive members and UoL Research & Innovation Service; the VC of university of Huddersfield, WYCA and the WY Mayor. It is anticipated to have a major impact on informing investment decisions on and subsequent social and economic impact of Mass Transit and Integrated Transport in the Region. The intention is to then scale-up provision to the UK market across all Combined Authorities and Transport Authorities; private sector partners and to explore international opportunities.