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MVA Consultancy advises on tackling crowding on Europe's fastest growing railway network

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Leading transport consultancy MVA has developed a vital Regional Planning Assessment for the Yorkshire and Humber regions to address overcrowding problems as part of a long term modernisation strategy.

The main objectives were to improve geographical links, promote a shift towards sustainable modes and increase labour catchment areas of the city regions.

Commissioned by the Department for Transport, MVA’s extensive study detailed the challenges and options facing the DfT over the next 20 years in the light of projected changes in population, economy and travel behaviour as well as associated regional spatial policy and strategy.

MVA revealed that strong growth in the region would affect services that are already crowded.  Over the last ten years, Leeds has experienced growth in the number of rail journeys of more than 80%, higher growth than any other major city.  In the same period Sheffield has experience growth of over 50%, growth well above the average for major cities of 40%.

John Allan, managing consultant at MVA, said: “Although the growth forecast for the region is strong, there is scope in the short-term to provide for it by lengthening trains on a number of routes such as Calder Valley, Northern Transpennine, Leeds-Sheffield, Scarborough to Hull and Airedale/Wharfedale routes. 

“However, some platforms will need lengthening to accommodate longer trains.

“Over the longer term, it will be desirable to speed up the services on routes such as the Calder Valley, Midland Mainline, and Sheffield to Leeds via Barnsley, to examine in detail the business case for a Parkway station serving Leeds, to examine the business case for the ‘electric horseshoe’ scheme to electrify an alternative route for the East Coast Mainline between Leeds and Doncaster, and to examine the business case for improvements at Dore to increase capacity on the Southern Transpennine route through the Hope Valley.”

Britain’s rail network has become the fastest-growing in Europe with more than one billion passenger journeys were made between 2005 and
2006 – having risen more than a third in the past decade.

The RPA plays a key role in the DfT’s forthcoming high level output statement, in which the department will outline Network Rail purchase plans for 2009-2010.

A combination of analysis and consultation, the RPA provides a baseline position and forecast for future demand.

MVA consulted stakeholders including Network Rail, Local Autorities, the Regional Assembly, and pressure groups to highlight constraints and verify assumptions using core and enhanced scenarios for the rail network, covering both services and infrastructure.

John added: “As well as lengthening trains and platforms in some cases, providing additional parking facilities network-wide was another focus for over the next decade.

Information for Editors:

MVA Consultancy provides advice on transport and other policy areas, to central, regional and local government, agencies, developers, operators and financiers. A diverse group of results-oriented people, we are part of a 450-strong team worldwide. Through client business planning, customer research and strategy development we create solutions that work for real people in the real world.

Issued by Beattie Communications (www.beattiegroup.com) on behalf of MVA Consultancy

For further information please contact: Neil McDonald on 01698 787855 /
07725 466737 or email neil.mcdonald@beattiegroup.com

or

Kimberley Hamilton on 01698 787858/07825 069411 or email kimberley.hamilton@beattiegroup.com

16 August 2007