Leeds to York rail electrification bid launched in Harrogate
A bid to improve train services on the Leeds to York line by electrification before the end of the decade, is to be launched in North Yorkshire.
The scheme would double the frequency of services on a line with a 20% increase in passenger numbers over the last five years.
It would also mean a faster, more comfortable journey, campaigners said.
Brian Dunsby, of Harrogate's chamber of commerce, said: "We have been working on this important plan since 2008."
Mr Dunsby, the chamber's chief executive, added: "We have a very high chance of success, the scheme has a high benefit-to-cost ratio".
'Dramatic change'
The improved line would use a "standard 25kV overhead-line system" and "cascaded" second-hand trains, according to the bid.
Andrew Jones, Conservative MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough said: "I know from my postbag how welcome this dramatic change in our rail services would be to commuters and other rail users."
Mr Jones said he had worked alongside local councils, the chamber of trade, Northern Rail, Metro and Network Rail to prepare a business case for the Department for Transport.
Richard Allan, for Northern Rail, said: "The Harrogate line has seen a number of improvements in recent years and passenger numbers have continued to grow.
"We welcome any improvement that would improve customers' journeys and reduce their travel time."
