All aboard for Yorkshire rail revival

A bold infrastructure plan could transform travel and unlock major economic growth across Yorkshire, as regional leaders call for billions in investment to fix the region’s ailing railways.

Lord Blunkett’s newly published Yorkshire’s Plan for Rail outlines a phased, 15-year strategy to modernise the region’s Victorian-era infrastructure, which is struggling to meet demand across towns and cities. 

The review points to unreliable, infrequent services and outdated trains as barriers to growth, jobs and housing.

Backed by West Yorkshire mayor Tracy Brabin, South Yorkshire mayor Oliver Coppard and York and North Yorkshire mayor David Skaith, the report calls for an initial £2.4 billion to fund new stations, upgraded services, modern rolling stock, electrification and capacity boosts at Leeds, Sheffield and York. 

Lord Blunkett said: “Yorkshire has been punching under its weight for far too long, and with the White Rose Agreement and this infrastructure plan, the three mayors are determined to reverse this historic trend. 

“It’s been a pleasure to be asked to pull together this credible and affordable plan, which presents a once in a lifetime opportunity to improve rail connectivity and unlock economic growth and opportunities for all. 

“By taking action now, the benefits of releasing capacity, speeding up journeys, improving reliability and running more frequent services will be felt not just here, but across the North, Midlands and beyond. 

“It’s time to back Yorkshire.” 

Tracy Brabin, mayor of West Yorkshire, added: “We are incredibly grateful to Lord Blunkett for leading this vital and timely review as we work together to create a better-connected region that works for all. 

“A lack of investment stretching back decades has left Yorkshire with a rail network no longer fit for purpose. 

“This is holding back ambitious growth plans for our regions which will put more money in people's pockets. 

“We owe it to everyone, especially younger generations, to secure our fair share of funding so the region’s train services are suitable for the modern age, getting passengers to where they need to go, when they want to go.” 

The plan outlines a new through-station for Bradford, faster connections between major cities and the revival of tram networks across South and West Yorkshire.

Its broader ambition is a £14 billion transformation by 2040, aiming to generate up to £20 billion for the economy, 83,000 new jobs and more than 200,000 homes.

With demand for rail set to rise if key barriers are addressed, the strategy also points to the untapped potential of Yorkshire’s leisure and cultural economy.

Lord Blunkett and the three White Rose mayors are urging the Government to honour long-standing promises and commit to the sustained investment needed to drive the region’s future growth.

David Skaith, the mayor of York and North Yorkshire, added: “Working together, we can drive real change and boost opportunities across our region. 

“This is a credible, long-term plan to deliver the connectivity our communities need – creating better access to jobs, education and investment. 

“In York and North Yorkshire, that means two trains an hour between York and Scarborough, upgraded stations at Malton, Seamer and Scarborough, and a new station at Haxby. 

“We need to push forward with the transformation of York Station to maximise the benefits of York Central, one of the most significant regeneration sites in the country. 

“And we need to fix the bottleneck on the East Coast Mainline at Northallerton, which has held back progress for too long. 

“We’re ready to build a better-connected North, creating the growth, opportunity, and prosperity our communities deserve.”

Oliver Coppard, mayor of South Yorkshire, added: “David Blunkett has, for the first time, made clear the problems created by decades of underinvestment across the whole of Yorkshire and given us a plan for fixing them, working together across the whole of God’s Own Country. 

“This is the White Rose Agreement in action. 

“The Plan we are launching today would address the fundamental issues we face as a region.

“Here in South Yorkshire, we need more trains, investment in our stations and better connections to Leeds, York, Manchester, London and elsewhere.  

“Ultimately, we simply want reliable, effective rail services, so we can get to work, see friends and family or just go for a night out. 

“Thanks to the work of Lord Blunkett, as the three White Rose Yorkshire mayors, we will work with the government and rail industry partners to turn this Plan into action. 

“We’re getting Rail in Yorkshire back on track.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →