Yorkshire’s rail network is “no longer fit for purpose” is the sentiment from Yorkshire leaders today, as it’s revealed the former home secretary Lord Blunkett has teamed up with Yorkshire mayors to put forward a game-changing £14bn proposal to improve travel across the region.
Alongside Oliver Coppard, Tracy Brabin and David Skaith, mayors of South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire and North Yorkshire, respectively, the new proposals aim to unlock economic growth in the region, improve reliability, and further connect Yorkshire towns and cities with Manchester, London and other destinations.
To start with, the plans call for increased capacity at Leeds, Sheffield and York, a new through-station for Bradford and a new station for Rotherham, alongside electrifying the Leeds-Sheffield line, which would require £2.4bn of government funds before 2030. £2.5bn is also separately proposed for a new tram system in Leeds, and extensions in Sheffield.
Other station upgrades would include Malton, Seamer and Scarborough. Wakefield, the Esk Valley and the Penistone area would see increased services, while Barnsley seeks improved services to London.
More devolution is also proposed, so Yorkshire can follow in the footsteps of Andy Burnham’s successful Bee Network, which saw Greater Manchester’s travel come under local authority, to ensure services best serve the needs of the community.
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.”
North Yorkshire Mayor David Skaith said: “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.”
South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard wants “reliable, effective rail services, so we can get to work, see friends and family or just go for a night out”.
It’s estimated that the works could add £20bn to Yorkshire’s economy over the next decade and help to generate a whopping 83,000 jobs for Yorkshire folk.
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