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:
“Most lines will see demand greater than seating and standing capacity in the future, meaning that some passengers will not be able to get on their chosen service unless capacity is enhanced.
“Additional train capacity will therefore be needed to provide enough space for everyone and make travelling by train a more comfortable experience.”
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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:
“Many neighbouring routes are electrified, so electrification would enable more flexibility of local service patterns, and high numbers of diesel vehicles would be removed.”
Brian Dunsby, of the Harrogate Line Supporters Group, said the move would be beneficial for services.
He said:
“I would expect the operator to be able to provide four-coach trains in place of the current three-coach Class 170. But it will not be in the near future.”
West Yorkshire Combined Authority is expected to use its finalised rail strategy to lobby government for investment in rail infrastructure in the region.
Harrogate and Knaresborough train operator accused of ‘dire’ performanceA transport leader has branded the performance of trains by the Harrogate line operator as “dire”.
Lord McLoughlin, chair of Transport for the North, today called on the government to urgently intervene to help end the current “unacceptable” levels of performance on the rail network in the north of England.
His comments come after new figures showed more than a third of Northern trains fail to run on time. Northern operates the Harrogate and Knaresborough line between Leeds and York.
In mid-summer, only 62% of Northern trains arrived on time. The figure increased marginally to 64% for the period from August 21 to September 17.
A press release by Transport for the North, which is a partnership of public and private sector representatives campaigning for better transport infrastructure in northern England, said services by Northern and other rail operators in the north “have been of a poor quality for far too long now”.
Lord McLoughlin, chair of Transport for the North, said:
“The current situation on the north’s rail network is simply unacceptable.
“It’s completely inexcusable that communities in the north of England are having to experience such a dire level of service. It requires an urgent intervention as it’s undermining businesses and holding back economic growth.”
He added “far too many trains” were being cancelled and “too many are cancelled at short notice causing chaos for commuters and local communities”.
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Lord McLoughlin, who is a Conservative peer, added:
“We want to see the operators given the freedom to negotiate a solution to Rest Day Working by themselves, and for a rail academy for the north to be fast-tracked, and for current devolved structures, such as the Rail North Partnership Board, to be strengthened and play a bigger role working with our partners across the north.”
The Stray Ferret asked Northern if it wanted to respond to Lord McLoughlin’s comments but we did not receive a response.
Rail strikes to cause six days of Harrogate district disruption
Rail operator Northern has told passengers to expect six days of disruption during the next wave of strikes.
The RMT union has scheduled strikes on Saturday, November 5, Monday, November 7 and Wednesday, November 9 as part of an ongoing dispute over pay and conditions.
Northern, which operates the line passing through Knaresborough and Harrogate, today advised people not to travel by train on those days.
It also warned that “services are also expected to be affected” on November 6, 8 and 10 November.
The company added disruption would occur “especially in the morning, so please check before you travel”.
The RMT previously announced a strike on November 3, however, this was cancelled and Northern said trains will be operating as usual that day.
The company said in a statement:
“On strike days, only travel by rail if necessary and if you do travel, expect severe disruption and plan ahead — especially the first and last trains of the day. Remember to check your entire journey as other train service providers may be affected.
“Advanced tickets will be withdrawn from sale, until an alternative strike timetable is in place.”
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Northern announces flash sale of £1.50 Harrogate line tickets to Leeds
Train operator Northern has announced a flash sale of £1.50 return tickets from Harrogate and Knaresborough to Leeds this week.
The ticket drop, which is expected to be sold out by about 5pm today, is timed to help people get to and from the Light Night Leeds, a free event showcasing art in the dark.
As part of its Go Do Your Thing after work campaign, Northern is offering more than 2,000 £1.50 advance purchase tickets.
Passengers on the Harrogate line, which also includes Knaresborough, Starbeck, Hornbeam Park, Pannal, Weeton and Cattal, are eligible for the deal.
Tickets are available for journeys into Leeds between 4pm to 6pm and departing Leeds 8pm to 10pm on Thursday’s opening night.
The promotional fares are available only through Northern’s website and app.
Light Night Leeds features are and performances by artists across the city.
Light Night Leeds
Tony Baxter, regional director at Northern, said:
“Light Night Leeds is a highlight in the region’s cultural calendar. The £1.50 ticket drop is our way of helping our customers go do their thing after work, with fares that will get you there for less.
“Tickets are on a first come, first serve basis – so those looking to take advantage should book early to avoid disappointment. When they’re gone, they’re gone.”
Read more:
- Some Harrogate train tickets sold for £1 in Northern ‘flash sale’
- Northern’s new timetable includes early Harrogate to Leeds trains
No trains in Harrogate and Knaresborough as strike begins
No trains will run through Harrogate and Knaresborough today as a national strike gets underway.
Harrogate station was deserted this morning with no picketers outside. However, the ticket office was still manned.
The RMT union has called the strike, which is also scheduled for Thursday and Saturday, over pay and conditions.
Thousands of drivers, signal operators and guards will walk out, crippling services.
Timetables published by Northern don’t show any trains on the Harrogate line on Tuesday or Thursday this week and there will be no replacement buses.
The train operator is currently expecting to run limited services on Saturday, although the company has warned of disruption and urged people to seek alternative travel.
LNER will also be running no services to London King’s Cross from Harrogate on all three strike days.
Read more:
- Harrogate commuters braced for ‘inconvenient’ train strikes
- Council shelves Knaresborough and Ripon travel plans
Some trains are expected to run on non-strike days, however Northern has warned that services could still be affected.
The company is advising passengers not to travel on trains on any day between Tuesday and Sunday.