If you’ve ever stood on a freezing platform somewhere in Yorkshire, wondering if your delayed train will ever show up, you’re definitely not alone. People across the region have been putting up with unreliable, slow train services for years. And it’s not just annoying — it’s holding places back. Now though, there’s a bit of hope. The three Metro Mayors of Yorkshire have teamed up and taken their case straight to the top.
They met with Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander and Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy in York to argue for major improvements — not just patches or short-term fixes, but proper, long-term investment. And they’ve even got Lord Blunkett leading a full review into how Yorkshire’s rail network can actually be made to work for the 21st century.
Image source: https://yorkshiretimes.co.uk/article/Yorkshires-Three-Mayors-Have-Meet-The-Transport-Secretary-To-Outline-Their-Ambit-
Yorkshire’s mayors are pushing for a real fix
The mayors — Tracy Brabin (West Yorkshire), Oliver Coppard (South Yorkshire), and David Skaith (York and North Yorkshire) — are clearly fed up. Instead of just moaning, they’re getting organised. Last month, they signed the White Rose Agreement, basically saying: “Let’s do this together.”
And now? They’ve gone to the National Railway Museum in York to meet government ministers and explain exactly what Yorkshire needs. Spoiler: it’s quite a lot.
So what exactly are they asking for?
Think of it like trying to upgrade from dial-up to fibre broadband — only the dial-up here is the current rail network.
Here’s what they want:
- A new through-station in Bradford, so trains can pass through, not just stop and turn around.
- A proper mainline station in Rotherham.
- More space and faster services at the big city stations: Leeds, Sheffield, and York.
- Electrification and upgrades between Leeds and Sheffield, so trains run quicker and more reliably.
- More regular services for smaller areas like Scarborough, the Esk Valley, the Penistone Line, and Wakefield’s Five Towns.
All of it adds up to one thing: making it easier for people to travel for work, school, or just a day out. And yes, faster trains mean fewer awkward “sorry I’m late again” texts.
Why now?
Because Yorkshire’s had a rough deal for ages when it comes to transport. Other areas have seen big upgrades — think Greater Manchester or parts of London — while much of Yorkshire is still waiting.
Plus, this year marks 200 years since the birth of the modern railway. Yorkshire has been a big part of that history — from Doncaster’s legendary locomotive works (hello, Flying Scotsman) to Leeds building the world’s first commercial steam railway. It’s fitting, really, that as the country looks back, Yorkshire’s mayors are shouting about what needs to come next.
What the mayors had to say
Here’s what each of the mayors — and Lord Blunkett — had to say, in their own words:
Tracy Brabin (West Yorkshire)
“For too long people using the railways in Yorkshire have suffered disruption and delays due to our creaking infrastructure.
Meeting with the Transport Secretary was a useful opportunity to explain the scale of our ambitions… We’re making great progress with Lord Blunkett leading this vital review that will set out how we can deliver long overdue improvements to our rail network.”
Oliver Coppard (South Yorkshire)
“Connecting our communities across Yorkshire and the North is not an optional extra; it’s crucial…
Together we can tackle the transport challenges that have held us back, bring in the investment that will amplify our huge ambition, and create more good jobs in the industries of the future.”
David Skaith (York and North Yorkshire)
“I want every part of our region to thrive — and that means making it easier for people to get around…
Better rail links between our coastal towns and Yorkshire’s cities aren’t just nice to have — they’re essential.”
Lord Blunkett
“Yorkshire’s rail network has far too many constraints to support the three Mayors’ ambitious plans for the region.
We will set out a vision for a fit-for-purpose rail network that will mean more frequent, faster services, and greater capacity… As we celebrate 200 years of the modern railway this year, there’s no better time to make the case for investment.”
What’s next?
Lord Blunkett’s review is due in May, and the mayors are hoping it’ll be the blueprint for a new chapter in Yorkshire’s transport story. The timing lines up with a bigger national focus too — the Prime Minister recently announced plans to put more power into local leaders’ hands and pump more money into northern transport.
The hope is simple: that by shouting together, Yorkshire’s leaders will finally get the upgrades their communities have needed for ages.
Here’s a quick recap of what’s being pushed:
- ✅ New stations: Bradford (through-station), Rotherham (mainline)
- 🚆 Upgrades to: Leeds, Sheffield, York
- 🔌 Electrification: Leeds–Sheffield line
- 🔁 More frequent trains for: Scarborough, Esk Valley, Penistone Line, Wakefield’s Five Towns
- 📅 Lord Blunkett’s report: Expected May 2025
- 🤝 White Rose Agreement signed: March 2025
- 🏛️ Meeting with ministers: April 2025 at the National Railway Museum, York
Big dreams, long delays, and now — finally — some serious action. Whether you’re commuting into Leeds or heading to the coast for the weekend, these plans could make train travel in Yorkshire a whole lot easier.
Now we wait and see if Westminster puts its money where its mouth is.
