Former home secretary David Blunkett, who is leading a review of rail connectivity across Yorkshire which will be submitted to the government, said the county currently has “far too many constraints” to support the three mayors’ “ambitious plans”.
But he said there is “no better time to make the case for investment in Yorkshire’s railways”.
Lord Blunkett and Yorkshire’s mayors met with the Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander at the National Railway Museum in York to outline their ambition for the region’s railways.
They called for further investment to deliver faster and more reliable train services by increasing capacity at Leeds, Sheffield and York stations.
David Skaith, the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said better rail links between Yorkshire’s towns and cities are “essential”.
“They’ll support new homes, help people get to work and education, and boost tourism and local businesses,” he said.
Mr Skaith, his fellow metro mayors and Lord Blunkett told the Transport Secretary that there must be more services for places such as Scarborough, along with the Esk Valley, Penistone Line and Wakefield district’s Five Towns.
Mr Skaith said the meeting was “an important opportunity to highlight the potential that could be unlocked through this much-needed investment”.
It would also “ensure this remains high on the national agenda as we work together with the government to deliver our ambitious future plans for transport”, the Labour mayor said.
“I want every part of our region to thrive – and that means making it easier for people to get around,” Mr Skaith added.
“After decades of neglect in northern rail infrastructure, it’s time for real investment to connect our communities and make it simpler to live, work, visit and invest here in Yorkshire.”
Recommended reading:
Lord Blunkett said the vision for the rail network “will mean more frequent, faster services, and greater capacity where it’s needed – all unlocking opportunities for growth”.
“As we celebrate 200 years of the modern railway this year, there’s no better time to make the case for investment in Yorkshire’s railways, setting out an affordable and credible plan to government on its delivery,” he said.
Tracy Brabin, the Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “For too long people using the railways in Yorkshire have suffered disruption and delays due to our creaking infrastructure.”
Oliver Coppard, Mayor of South Yorkshire, said: “Together we can tackle the transport challenges that have held us back, bring in the investment that will amplify our huge ambition, and create more good jobs in the industries of the future, so that we have the world class transport network that Yorkshire deserves.”
