PROPOSALS to electrify a train line between Leeds and Sheffield which would increase the amount of services for Barnsley commuters has been hailed as a leap forward.
The agreement as part of the Northern Powerhouse Rail scheme outlines how the government and South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) will work together to deliver South Yorkshire’s share of the £45bn investment.
Local leaders, including Penistone and Stocksbridge MP Marie Tidball and Councillor James Higginbottom, met with South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard last month to officially sign the deal.
Electrified stretches pave the way for quicker, more reliable services, whilst also boosting lines’ capacities, allowing commuters more opportunities to use the railway for business or leisure.
Coun Higginbottom, cabinet member for environment and transport, said the plan could also benefit locals not just using Barnsley Interchange but elsewhere in the borough, too.
Due to NPR including a new station in Rotherham, it’s anticipated that Bolton-upon-Dearne, Goldthorpe and Thurnscoe will also be positively impacted.
“The plan to electrify the train line between Sheffield and Leeds is a big improvement and it could also mean additional capacity and more trains along this route,” he added.
“Improving the train line will make it easier for people to travel, access leisure, employment and educational opportunities, and more generally get around the wider region.
“We are working closely with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority to develop these plans, especially around station improvements, wider connectivity and how to support additional
stopping services through the Dearne and beyond.”
South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, added: “Northern Powerhouse Rail is a massive commitment from the government to the future of South Yorkshire, finally giving us the prospect of better, faster, more reliable connections between here and our neighbours.( “But it also means we can kick-start the work on the further expansion of tour tram network, and make real progress towards the development of Rotherham’s new station.( “These are all big steps for all of us who use public transport across the north, particularly here, because South Yorkshire is at the very front of the queue when it comes to delivery.”
