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09
Jun 2023
Harrogate rail line 'close to capacity', says report
The Harrogate rail line is “close to capacity” and should be electrified, according to a West Yorkshire Combined Authority report.
The line carries passengers between Leeds and York and includes stations in Harrogate, Starbeck and Knaresborough.
However, a draft report to inform West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s rail strategy says the line is close to full capacity for services.
It adds the line between Harrogate and Leeds “may struggle to accommodate new services” in future.
The report before Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, adds that in 2019 it had peak-time demand greater than the total seating and standing capacity of the trains.
It says:
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The report, which was published as part of the ongoing consultation into West Yorkshire’s rail strategy, adds that an electrifying the Harrogate line should be considered. It mentions Harrogate because of its connection with Leeds in West Yorkshire.
It says the line is one of three, alongside Calder Valley and Wakefield Westgate/Deame Valley, that would benefit the most from electrification and should be a “high priority” route.
The report adds that electrifying the Harrogate line would help with flexibility on services.
It says:
Brian Dunsby, of the Harrogate Line Supporters Group, said the move would be beneficial for services.
He said:
West Yorkshire Combined Authority is expected to use its finalised rail strategy to lobby government for investment in rail infrastructure in the region.
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