Rail strategy for region unveiled

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Plans has been unveiled for the expansion of rail services in Yorkshire and the Humber to meet growing demand in the region.

Following a consultation Network Rail has launched its route utilisation strategy for the area, which includes plans to carry out station upgrades including building new platforms and improving track layouts to increase capacity and reduce delays.

Freight routes will also benefit through schemes which allow bigger containers to be carried.

Routes such as Leeds to Bradford, York and Hull to Leeds and Manchester, and Sheffield to Manchester as well as important freight routes to the ports are covered by the strategy.

Route director for Network Rail David Pape said: "The growth in demand for rail throughout the Yorkshire and Humber region is excellent news for the industry, but this success brings us more challenges as we work to deliver a rail service passengers and freight users expect and demand.

"The publication of this draft strategy to meet these challenges marks the start of our consultation."