Politicians in West Yorkshire are calling on the Government to provide more investment in the region's transport network.
The Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, and the leader of Leeds City Council, Cllr James Lewis, have written to the Prime Minister asking for land around Leeds Station to be safeguarded, and comes after the government made a commitment for a new station to be built in Bradford.
At a meeting to be held on Thursday, 14 March, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority will be asked to approve a rail strategy that defines the priorities and next steps for the region's rail network through to 2050.
South of Leeds station, land is available to expand the station, which in turn would lead to the improvements laid out in the Authority's rail strategy.
In particular, the strategy lays out a plan to provide additional capacity, better reliability, and more frequent services.
The strategy sets out the justification for improving the infrastructure and making a long-term. This includes:
- A new through station at Bradford.
- An extension south of Leeds station to deliver Northern Powerhouse Rail in full.
- Electrification of the Calder Valley line.
- Providing a half-hourly service between Huddersfield and Barnsley.
- Better connectivity between West and South Yorkshire and the East and West Midlands.
- Four key areas have been identified as specific areas to work on:
- Providing the capacity for growth and improved reliability
- Improving station facilities and train services
- Continuing the drive towards decarbonisation and improved efficiency through electrification.
- More capacity for freight
If the Authority approves the rail strategy be approved, it will form the basis by which local partners and industry stakeholders can make the case for investment in the region's rail network when funding becomes available.
Further information about the strategy can be found by clicking here.
People in the North deserve a fully integrated transport system that is fit for the 21st century – to help boost our economy, become net-zero carbon by 2038 and build a better-connected region.
But to truly deliver on our ambitions, we need proper investment from government in our railways to create a reliable, cheaper and easier to use network.
I am looking forward to working with the Government and partners to deliver on the priorities set out in our rail strategy
Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin
Improving capacity and connectivity on our rail network is vital to support regeneration and growth. Easier, cheaper travel improves access to education, jobs, and cultural experiences.
Low carbon transport is an absolute must for improving air quality and supporting cleaner, greener growth. Focusing on electrification will help deliver in both of these areas.
With an additional platform at Foster Square already agreed, I'm looking forward to working with government to develop more detail on the proposed new station for Bradford's southern gateway through the rail strategy.
Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee, Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe
