The Mayor of York and North Yorkshire has met with rail industry leaders to discuss the opportunities on offer from both parties to drive connectivity around the region.
At a meeting in York, Mayor David Skaith told directors of the East Coast Main Line operators – as well as major infrastructure projects – that it is essential that communities are connected with opportunities around the region and beyond by rail.
This comes as the mayor is holding ‘conversation starter’ meetings with leaders of industries that will be central to the economic growth of North Yorkshire.
After the discussions, Skaith said:
“This was a really useful meeting which allowed me to get a good view of where the rail industry is right now and what it wants from an elected Mayor.
“I see an integrated rail system as essential for linking York and North Yorkshire residents to places of employment and education, not just in our region but beyond.
“Our region is huge and we have great rail links heading north and south, but I want to see that connectivity linking east and west too, plugging our coastal and rural areas into all the exciting opportunities we have here.
“I also want to see our residents easily connected with opportunities in other regions too such as West Yorkshire, Teesside, and across the North.”
Rail leaders such as Network Rail, Northern, CrossCountry, TransPennine Express were all present, with all parties agreeing that regular contact should be maintained between the mayor and the rail industry.
Expanding on the discussions, Jake Kelly, Network Rail’s Regional Managing Director commented:
“Rail connects people with loved ones, business, days out, and opportunities. We all share a common goal in wanting to be able to deliver the best possible experience for passengers across our network.
“Over the coming months and years, as rail industry representatives in the north of England, we will continue to work together to deliver connectivity for our passengers and strive to develop our relationships so that rail thrives throughout the region.”
Image credit: iStock
