'Invest in rail' call astrain useset to soar

RAIL passenger numbers in the North will rocket during the next 20 years, according to research released today.

The figures, from Network Rail, estimate that in Leeds passenger numbers will soar by 68 per cent by 2029 while in Sheffield they will increase by 62 per cent.

The report calls for investment in the region’s railways to cope with the extra demand, stating that the funding will support sustainable economic growth.

The study, called the Northern Route Utilisation Strategy (RUS), looks at rail usage over the next two decades and recommends how best to cope with the additional passengers and freight.

The findings were backed by business leaders who called on the Government to support transport in the regions with investment.

Nick Pontone, director of policy at the Yorkshire and Humber Chambers of Commerce, said: “Pressure on Yorkshire’s rail links have been rising fast over recent years, especially in our key cities of Leeds and Sheffield which drive much of the region’s economic growth.

“Passenger numbers will continue to rise and additional capacity is essential to avoid the delays and overcrowding that are bad for business.

“This blueprint for the network is vital. It needs to be backed with the necessary investment from Government.”

The report makes a series of recommendations for investment – including new platforms at Leeds and Huddersfield, upgrading the freight lines between Immingham, Scunthorpe and Knottingley and a rolling programme of electrification including the Midland Mainline between Sheffield and London.

Network Rail’s director of planning and development, Paul Plummer, said: “Rail in the North is a major success story – but this brings its own challenges, as our draft route utilisation strategy sets out. Infrastructure investment is key to sustainable economic growth.

“With businesses and commuters in the North relying on rail and so many more people choosing to travel by train, continued investment in rail in the North is a necessity, not a luxury.”

Earlier this month Transport Secretary Philip Hammond announced that the region will get a direct high-speed rail link to London.

Mr Hammond ditched Tory plans for a route that would only reach Leeds via Manchester and instead backed the “Y” shaped route favoured by Labour, which could cut journey times to just 80 minutes and will cost 33 billion to build.

Research conducted on behalf of South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive and its Metro counterpart in West Yorkshire suggests the Yorkshire economy will benefit from a 62bn boost to its economy as a result of a direct high-speed link to London.

Sheffield Chamber of Commerce’s chair, Anita Brough, said: “The recent announcement to route the high-speed rail network through South Yorkshire was very welcome and we are confident it will show a massive return on the investment but we must not forget that the high speed link needs to be one part of a comprehensive network.

“The high-speed link will not be completed for 15 to 20 years and investment is needed on a continuing basis through that period or the economy of the region will suffer.

“Sheffield is a trading city and connectivity east to west, north to south and city to city, with the ability to move goods and services quickly and reliably, is critical to its success.”

Ian Williams, director of policy at Leeds, York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Chamber has campaigned long and hard for increased investment in our region’s rail network and this report is clear evidence as to why this additional funding is so crucial.”