Mayors renew call for northern rail revolution

Three Yorkshire mayors are pressing for major investment in the region’s rail network.

West Yorkshire mayor Tracy Brabin, South Yorkshire mayor Oliver Coppard and York and North Yorkshire mayor David Skaith have joined forces to renew their call for a new Northern railway revolution ahead of the 200th anniversary of the modern railway.

Representing 4.6 million people and 190,000 businesses across Yorkshire, the mayors are urging the Government to back upgraded lines, new stations and modern trains to improve capacity, reliability and frequency.

Mayor Skaith said: “After years of neglect to Yorkshire’s railways, the Government must take this opportunity to help us deliver the accessible, reliable and affordable rail services that our regions need and deserve.

“Poor rail connections are holding us back. 

“Just one train an hour between Scarborough and York is a huge barrier for people living in our coastal communities.

“The recent announcement of a new station at Haxby is a welcome start, but we must keep the momentum up, with more trains and station improvements between York and the coast, and increased capacity at Northallerton, that will better connect communities across Yorkshire, the North and beyond.

“We’re ready to make it happen and start bringing the benefits of a properly integrated rail network to our residents, visitors, and the economy.”

The campaign builds on Lord Blunkett’s £14 billion review earlier this year, which highlighted the urgent need to overhaul ageing infrastructure and deliver faster links across northern cities. 

Proposals include new city centre stations in Bradford and Rotherham, electrification between Leeds and Sheffield and service enhancements for Scarborough, the Esk Valley and Wakefield district’s Five Towns to help “unleash the region’s full potential”.

Mayor Brabin said: “People in Yorkshire deserve better than the creaking, unreliable network that we currently have, which is why we’re calling on Government to back our ambitious vision for a railway that works for everyone, from communities to businesses. 

“To fully deliver our growth ambitions we must solve debilitating capacity and connectivity issues. We need investment in Leeds station, electrification for Sheffield to Leeds and a new through station in Bradford city centre.

“A reliable rail network that passengers can actually rely on is a vital part of our plans for a greener, better-connected, modern region.” 

Mayor Coppard added: “For too long, we haven’t had the investment we need when it comes to our railways. 

“Sheffield station will be at capacity from December, yet it remains the largest city in the UK without electrified rail. 

“That means our communities are still relying on outdated diesel trains that are less comfortable, break down more often, and add to the clean air challenges we face in the city centre.

“And while Sheffield and Leeds are less than 30 miles apart, we currently have only one fast train an hour connecting those two great cities of the north. 

“We need stations that are fit for the future, and infrastructure that matches the ambition of our people. 

“Because this isn’t just about trains, it’s about getting Yorkshire back on track.”

The Yorkshire Plan for Rail, launched in May, has already secured approval for two projects: a new station at Haxby and Penistone Line upgrades. 

Business leaders from Magtec, Leeds United and Stephen Joseph Theatre have also backed the call. 

Mayors and northern leaders will meet in Darlington on September 15 to further press the case ahead of a Government funding decision. 

To read the report, see here.

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