New bid for more trains and stations on Wharfe line (From Wharfedale Observer)

New bid for more trains and stations on Wharfe line

10:39am Saturday 13th October 2007 in Local news By Amanda Greaves

TRANSPORT bosses are asking the Government for further new trains on the Wharfedale Line as they prepare to build new stations at Apperley Bridge and Horsforth.

West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive officers reported to a passenger consulting committee on Friday (October 12)that they are in discussions with the Department for Transport (DfT) and Northern Rail about the issue.

A planning deal with the developer of the Kirkstall Forge site recently brought new stations at Apperley Bridge and Kirkstall a step closer to reality. And county transport heads are working with the developer of another site over a proposed station at Horsforth Woodside on the Harrogate Line.

But there have been calls for extra rolling stock on the Wharfedale Line before such stations unleash a new flood of passengers.

The DfT recently announced that some cash was heading to Leeds railway services - including the much-used commuter services running between Leeds and Ilkley - to help alleviate overcrowding.

The chairman of the passenger transport executive and authority, Metro, Otley and Yeadon councillor Ryk Downes, predicted an even greater increase in passengers on Ilkley to Leeds trains if the new stations were built.

In their report to the Bradford Passenger Consultative Committee, Metro officers say: "Metro is about to engage Network Rail on the development of initial designs and the full business case for both stations. Liaison is taking place with the Department for Transport and Northern on the business case and future rolling stock requirements."

The push for Apperley Bridge and Kirkstall stations received a boost from developer CEG, which has signed a planning agreement with Leeds City Council securing £4million of funding for Kirkstall and Apperley Bridge stations. CEG has also signed a deal with Metro itself. It was recently revealed that DfT help is to bring 60 to 90 carriages on to Leeds local railway lines to help cope with the ever-expanding numbers of commuters. Councillor Downes said that at least 100 carriages were needed, but nevertheless welcomed the announcement.