Issue - meetings

This report provides an update on work undertaken to assess the feasibility of proposals to introduce a tram-train service in the Leeds City Region, with particular reference to the operation of a service on the York to Harrogate to Leeds line.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member for City Strategy be advised to:

(i)      Note this report including, at Annex A, the brief history of endeavours to re-open local rail stations in the York area;

(ii)               Endorse the approach to the further development of tram-train schemes as set out in paragraphs 31 – 34, and

(iii)             Support the development of future light railway/tram train systems for the City of York, in line with the policy adopted at Council on 30 June 2008.

Decision of the Executive Member for City Strategy

RESOLVED:That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.

REASON:            This will ensure that the council remains fully aware of proposals for improving local rail services on certain lines within the Leeds City Region, utilising either existing or new rail technology, and enable the council to continue to pursue the reopening of stations in the York area.

Members received a report, whichprovided an update on work undertaken to assess the feasibility of proposals to introduce a tram-train service in the Leeds City Region. This was with particular reference to the operation of such a service on the York to Harrogate to Leeds line, including options considered for developing tram-train within the York area and its potential impacts. In addition it detailed the national trial of tram-train technology that had recently been announced. 

It was reported that the next steps included:

·        Obtaining the perspectives of key stakeholders;

·        Consider the process for developing tram-train proposals for the Leeds City Region;

·        Hold discussions with Northern Rail, Network Rail and DfT Rail to establish the extent to which Metro are involved in the trial;

·        Lobby key industry player for the early introduction of tram-train in the Leeds City Region.

Members welcomed the report and its recommendations and requested the addition of mention of the policy adopted at Council on 30 June 2008 which requested Officers to report back on proposals to provide a rail service between York Railway Station and Strensall and which registered support in principle for the future use of light railway/tram train type systems in the City of York area.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member for City Strategy be advised to:

(i)      Note this report including, at Annex A, the brief history of endeavours to re-open local rail stations in the York area;

(ii)               Endorse the approach to the further development of tram-train schemes as set out in paragraphs 31 – 34, and

(iii)             Support the development of future light railway/tram train systems for the City of York, in line with the policy adopted at Council on 30 June 2008. ^1.

Decision of the Executive Member for City Strategy

RESOLVED:That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.

REASON:            This will ensure that the council remains fully aware of proposals for improving local rail services on certain lines within the Leeds City Region, utilising either existing or new rail technology, and enable the council to continue to pursue the reopening of stations in the York area.