Subscribe to trusted local news
In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.
- Subscription costs less than £1 a week with an annual plan.
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
08
Jan
Minister does not rule out move to dual train line between Knaresborough and York
A government minister has not ruled out a move to dual the railway line between Knaresborough and York amid concern over continued delays for passengers.
The line between Leeds and York line via Harrogate frequently experiences bottlenecks and delays at Knaresborough because it becomes a single track.
The service stops at Cattal, Hammerton and Poppleton between Knaresborough and York.
Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, asked the government in the House of Commons today (January 8) whether it would reconsider a pause on the York Area Capacity Scheme — which would have improved capacity on the Harrogate line.
He also asked whether ministers would bring any alternative plans forward to improve capacity and reliability.
Keir Mather, Labour parliamentary under-secretary of state at the Department for Transport, said the government had not ruled out plans to dual the line between Knaresborough and York.
Mr Mather said:
As a near neighbour of the honourable member, I know the line that he describes.
The Harrogate line interventions have not been funded in this spending review period. This does not preclude doubling the line between Knaresborough and York as part of a future local or national infrastructure pipeline.
Platform extensions and electrification have previously been developed to a strategic outline business case level of maturity. Based on current and future demand forecasts, the work did not consider dualling the line but I’m happy to continue engaging with the honourable member on this important question in the future.
Mr Gordon said he would meet with the minister for rail to keep the rail upgrades between Knaresborough and York on the government’s agenda.
He added:
Dualling the line between Knaresborough and York, along with creating a new platform for trains arriving into York from Harrogate, would transform journeys for local commuters.
Right now, passengers face constant delays, unreliable services, and capacity issues. This needs to change – especially if the government is serious about delivering growth and improving transport in the north.
I was encouraged to hear the minister confirm these projects are still on the table. In my meeting with the mnister for rail, I’ll keep the pressure to make sure our community gets the modern, reliable transport network it deserves.
1