Rail investment call as traveller numbers are predicted to soar

In Leeds peak demand is expected to increase by 62 per cent while in Sheffield the predicted rise is 56 per cent, according to a study from Network Rail.

The rail operator believes there could be hundreds of thousands of extra passengers across northern England, and called on the Government to invest in a Northern Transport Hub – a project that would allow 700 extra trains a day and potentially generate £4bn for the economy.

The head of business representation at the Leeds, York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, Mark Goldstone, said transport investment must remain a national priority. He said: “Overcrowding and delays are problems that blight many of Yorkshire’s peak time train services and this report shows that it is likely to get substantially worse unless there is a firm commitment from Government to increase capacity for both passengers and freight.

“Investment in infrastructure has the potential to deliver great economic benefit to this region and the chamber supports improvement to the northern rail network which must remain a national priority, despite the limited public funds.

“The Leeds City Region currently generates £48bn for the UK economy and the ability to move people and freight efficiently both North-South and trans-Pennine is vital to ensure this is not compromised and in fact allows for this figure to grow.”

The report, called the Northern Route Utilisation Strategy (RUS), recommends how best to cope with the extra passengers and freight, including additional peak train or shuttle services to make the most efficient use of capacity.

It calls for the Northern Hub project to be completed. Funding for the first part of the project was confirmed in the Budget announcement in March 2011. It could create up to 23,000 jobs.

The report also reveals a need for new platforms at Leeds, Huddersfield and Manchester Airport stations and upgrading the railway between Immingham, Scunthorpe and Knottingley to support anticipated freight growth.

Network Rail’s director of planning and development, Paul Plummer, said: “Rail in the north continues to be a major success story – but this brings its own challenges, as the RUS sets out.

“We are already making good progress. Projects already under way like flyovers at Stafford on the West Coast and North Doncaster on the East Coast will mean faster, more frequent trains can run between the Northern cities and London.

“But this RUS shows the challenges don’t stop here. With as many as 52 per cent more passengers flooding into the big cities of the north by 2024, we need to make targeted investments to deal with this, as well as working with stakeholders to make better use of existing capacity.”

Investment plans for Leeds train station will be revealed next week at the city’s chamber of commerce property forum.

On Monday evening, Network Rail’s head of retail, Gavin McKechnie, will discuss the 13 separate projects in the pipeline, including a commercial office development at Princes Square and better short-stay and drop-off facilities.

A survey conducted by the chamber in November last year revealed that 63 per cent of businesses do not believe that the station acts as a good gateway into the city and that there are significant concerns about amenities and accessibility.

Mr Goldstone said: “We are pleased that Network Rail has listened to the concerns of the business community and is investing in the appearance and functionality of the station.

“Leeds is a leading European business destination and it is important that the station reflects this positioning and creates the right first impression to both visitors and potential investors”.

The meeting takes place at DLA Piper in Princes Exchange. To book, email [email protected] or call 0113 2470000.