Backing given for train plan

AN ambitious project to introduce former London Underground trains on rail services in Yorkshire has been backed by the business community.

The plan would see the electric trains used on services between Harrogate, Leeds and York.

The trains planned to be used are former District Line trains, which have been recently refurbished but are set to be replaced from the London Underground system, and it is argued they would provide 60% more seats than the current service.

The trains are currently used on lines which run both under and over ground, including the Docklands Light Railway, and it is hoped they could be brought to Yorkshire by 2014, when they are decomissioned from the London Underground system.

At a meeting organised by Harrogate Chamber of Trade and Commerce, which is leading the proposals, representatives from the region’s business community unanimously voted to submit the plan to the Department for Transport for further consideration.

A meeting to discuss the proposals further with DfT representatives is set to take place next week.

Those backing the proposals believe the trains will be more reliable, easier to install and would be more cost effective to acquire than building a fleet of new trains.

It would also allow a more frequent service to be introduced on a line which is seen as overly congested.

The proposals also include the possibility of a number of new stations, including one servicing Leeds Bradford International Airport. 

Chamber chief executive Brian Dunsby said the Harrogate line needed modernising and that the trains, if introduced, would run electrially using a rail running alongside the track at ground level.

Speaking after the meeting, Councillor Don Mackenzie, leader of Harrogate Borough Council, said: “I believe the meeting achieved its primary purpose, which was to bring together the various contributors to the debate about the upgrade proposals, and to discuss their hopes and concerns.

“The overriding message from the gathering is that this bid deserves our full backing, and that is exactly what it will get.”  

Meanwhile, commuter services in and out of Leeds and Sheffield will have space for an extra 1,800 passengers after the Government revealed plans to add new carriages.

Transport Minister Theresa Villiers said Northern Rail will take delivery of 22 carriages that will be in service by December.

She said: “I am delighted we have been able to finalise these important deals which will make a real difference to passengers. Even at a time when we are tackling the huge deficit we inherited, we are determined to invest in Britain’s future.

“That is why we’re committed to a major investment programme in our railways to deliver a big increase in capacity to ease crowding and provide commuters with more comfortable journeys.

“As well as improving life for passengers, these rail improvements will play an important role in strengthening economic growth.”

In all the Government announced 32 new carriages would be made available nationwide making space for an additional 8,800 passengers.