Passengers in Craven will have more say on how local rail services are run after the Bentham Line was designated a community rail service.
The line runs between Leeds and Morecambe and the designation will allow train companies to work more closely with the Leeds, Lancaster and Morecambe Community Rail Partnership (CRP) to better design services to meet local needs.
The aims of community rail lines are to increase revenue, reduce costs, increase community involvement and support social and economic development.
Community Rail Minister Norman Baker said: “I want to encourage communities to become more closely involved with their railways to help create the services and stations passengers deserve.
“That’s why I am delighted to announce this latest community rail service designation. It is a major step towards helping the Leeds, Lancaster and Morecambe Community Rail Partnership work closely with local groups to provide innovative and more cost-effective rail services for their community.”
And Ian Bevan, managing director of Northern Rail, which runs services on the route, said: “The designation of the Bentham Line is fantastic news for the local community.
“As this route is integral to the area, its designation ensures it will be developed to benefit local people and visitors to the region.
“We look forward to working with the community rail partnership to enable the route to prosper as much as possible.”
Richard Rollins, chairman of the Leeds, Lancaster and Morecambe Community Rail Partnership, also welcomed the news.
“Designation will enable the community rail partnership to work in partnership with the local community to make significant developments along the line.
“Key objectives include station improvements and service developments.
“With the co-operation of Northern Rail, the line operator, we have already introduced a trial service of four trains a day on Sundays throughout the year, enabling passengers from Yorkshire to enjoy a day out in Morecambe, Lancaster or the countryside.”
Rod Tickner, from the Aire Valley Rail Users Group, said: “This is great news as there are plenty of leisure opportunities along this scenic line.
The service designation will give the CRP access to some Department for Transport funding which will help us further improve the facilities along the line.”
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