End of line for Pacers at last

Now increase network’s capacity

IT SPEAKS volumes about the state of the region’s railways that many commuters will be disbelieving about Northern’s slick new rolling stock until the state-ofthe-art trains are actually introduced on local lines.

After all, it is almost 30 years since the network last enjoyed the level of investment that is being promised by the transport operator as the antiquated Pacer trains are finally phased out.

A symbol of the NorthSouth divide that exists, it’s ironic that the Pacers – little more than converted buses – will be pensioned off as London’s £14.8bn Crossrail line opens for the first time.

Yet, while Northern believe that the modernisation programme will replicate the increase in passenger numbers when the key commuter lines from Leeds to Ilkley and Skipton were electrified as part of a major upgrade, the broader question is whether sufficient investment is going into Yorkshire’s rail infrastructure.

If the number of travellers rise by the anticipated numbers, not only will there need to be far more new trains to cope with this demand but existing track will have to be overhauled so sufficient services can operate at peak times.

This county should not have to wait for the advent of HS2 for journey times to be cut between Leeds and Sheffield, the region’s largest two cities, though the official study being launched today by underfire Transport Secretary Chris Grayling into the possible reopening of the Skipton to Colne railway, closed in 1970, is welcome because of its potential to improve inadequate transPennine links.

As such, Northern will only maximise its investment by joining forces with rival operators, transport bodies and local councils to press for the funds so this region can enjoy the quality, speed and frequency of services that are taken for granted in London and the South East. There’s still a long way to go.