by Don Mort, local democracy reporter
Political leaders have urged the government to back a £14bn programme of rail network improvements.
Yorkshire’s Plan for Rail sets out the upgrades needed over the next 15 years.
It was unveiled by Lord Blunkett, former Labour home secretary, who carried out a review into the county’s rail services.
The mayors of West, South and North Yorkshire joined him at a launch event in Leeds today (Friday).
Lord Blunkett said the long-term plans were realistic and would boost economic growth.
He said: “It’s about every aspect of our lives. It’s about getting to work, being able to get to entertainment and leisure. Being able to see family and friends.”
Lord Blunkett’s report on rail services said Leeds was found to be the worst place in the country for time lost to train delays in 2023.
It said: “Delays at Leeds ripple across the entire rail network in the north.”
Improvement plans include a platform extension to ease overcrowding in the city’s railway station.
The line between Leeds and Sheffield would be electrified and faster services provided between Yorkshire towns and cities.
It is hoped the government will commit to providing £2.4bn for the first phase of improvements between now and 2030.
West Yorkshire mayor Tracy Brabin said current services were not fit for purpose. She said: “Old, dirty, slow, infrequent, overcrowded trains with few proper facilities. No wonder it’s so hard to get people out of their cars and onto public transport.”
On Monday, Ms Brabin launched new branding for West Yorkshire’s public transport. The Weaver Network will replace Metro, which has been in place since 1974.
Plans for a new Mass Transit system were also set to improve travel by bringing tram services to the city, Ms Brabin said.
She said: “However, I cannot fulfil that promise if we dont’f have a fit and proper rail network to back it up.”
James Lewis, Leeds City Council’s Labour leader, welcomed the improvement plans.
He said: “The opportunity we have is a proper plan for what we do about it, not just individual projects but for the whole rail network.”
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