Train travel campaigner Revd Tim Calow, of Embsay is calling for more investment on the Airedale Line which brings people into Leeds from Settle and beyond.
Tim chairs the Aire Valley Rail Users Group (AVRUG) and told its recent AGM that new electric trains, which operator Northern plans to introduce by the end of the year, will have limited impact.
“While new trains are promised their introduction has been delayed – and they will have 80 seats less than four-carriage trains,” said Tim, Associate Priest at Embsay.
“They will offer fewer but more roomy seats – and more room for passengers to stand in.
“We will still have very big problems with overcrowding in peak hours and on Friday and Saturday nights.”
Passengers from our Ripon, Bradford and Leeds areas are all affected by the current situation.
Tim added that the promised launch of six-carriage trains between Leeds and Skipton had also been delayed, until 2021 due to longer platforms and other remodelling work needed at Leeds Station.
Plus there are serious concerns about the degree to which the longer trains will ease problems.
A full report of the AVRUG meeting can be read in an online report by the Keighley News at: https://bit.ly/2W4AQVV