Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding with key rail industry partners, signalling a major shift towards a more integrated, reliable and passenger-focused railway network across the region.
The agreement, described as the first of its kind, brings together Network Rail alongside publicly owned operators Northern, TransPennine Express and LNER. It sets out a shared commitment to closer collaboration ahead of the creation of Great British Railways (GBR), the new national body tasked with overseeing rail infrastructure and services across the UK.
A New Phase for Regional Rail Leadership
The MoU marks a clear step-change in the role of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, positioning it at the centre of shaping rail services and investment decisions. While the authority is already progressing major schemes such as the transformation of Leeds Railway Station, this agreement formalises a deeper level of partnership working across the industry.
Critically, the deal is designed to accelerate the benefits of national rail reform locally without waiting for the formal launch of GBR, by enabling quicker decision-making, stronger coordination and improved passenger outcomes.
Key Objectives Driving the Partnership
Under the agreement, partners will work towards a set of shared priorities aligned with regional economic and transport ambitions:
- Improving integration between rail and other transport modes as part of the Mayor’s Weaver Network
- Supporting economic growth and unlocking new opportunities across West Yorkshire
- Driving passenger and freight growth through improved performance and customer experience
- Enhancing safety across the network, with a particular focus on women and girls
The partnership also supports delivery of the Mayor’s Local Transport Plan, including commitments to boost productivity, enable inclusive growth, improve health outcomes and tackle the climate emergency.
Deliverables Through to 2028
A joint programme of work has been agreed, with tangible outcomes expected by 2028. These include:
- A co-developed Weaver Network Rail vision covering integration, investment and service delivery
- Accessibility improvements across rail stations in the region
- A coordinated programme of station upgrades to enhance customer experience and multimodal connectivity
- Progression of West Yorkshire’s new stations programme, including Elland and Thorpe Park
- Joint studies with operators to identify opportunities for service enhancements
The agreement will also support major infrastructure programmes such as the Transpennine Route Upgrade and Northern Powerhouse Rail – both key to improving connectivity across the North.
National Backing and Industry Alignment
Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy highlighted the significance of the agreement in aligning national investment with regional priorities:
"This Government is backing West Yorkshire with billions in transport investment – from Leeds station to Northern Powerhouse Rail and the TransPennine Route Upgrade – and this agreement will ensure that investment works harder for passengers.
"Ahead of the formal establishment of Great British Railways, bringing track and train closer together and working hand in hand with local leaders will help cut through fragmentation and put passengers at the heart of the network – unlocking faster journeys, better stations and stronger connections to drive growth, jobs and homes across the region."
Mayor Tracy Brabin emphasised the ambition behind the deal and its role in shaping the future railway:
“Our region deserves a modern rail network – and this agreement shows we are ready to take on a bigger role in shaping the railway, so it matches our ambitions.
“By working hand in hand with our rail partners, we can deliver more reliable services, better stations and a smoother, better-connected journeys for passengers as part of our Weaver Network.
“This partnership puts West Yorkshire at the forefront of rail reform, ensuring our communities see the benefits sooner – supporting growth, tackling the climate emergency and improving quality of life.”
Governance and Wider Collaboration
The partnership will be overseen by a Strategic Rail Partnership Board, supported by closer operational collaboration at all levels across participating organisations. There is also a clear commitment to engage neighbouring regions to ensure that improvements extend beyond West Yorkshire’s boundaries.
For industry professionals, particularly those engaged in Northern Powerhouse Rail, regional connectivity and infrastructure development, this agreement represents a significant milestone in the move towards devolved rail decision-making and integrated transport delivery.
Image credit: iStock
