Barnsley’s Rail Strategy seeks to improve connectivity

Next week, Cabinet members will discuss Barnsley’s new Rail Strategy. Barnsley Rail Strategy aims to enhance rail connectivity within and beyond the borough, improving travel for commuters and supporting economic growth.

Our strategy is shaped around the Hallam Line, including services to London, the Wakefield and Dearne Valley Line and the Penistone Line. It also works to improve connections from out of the borough, including London, Wakefield Westgate, Doncaster and Meadowhall, while also integrating rail with other transport modes and promoting active travel.

The strategy focuses:

• Enhanced connectivity: The strategy seeks to improve connections to major cities and economic centres, including Leeds, Manchester, and London, via high-speed and intercity rail networks.
• Improved infrastructure: This includes upgrading existing stations, potentially adding new ones, and exploring the potential for freight-only lines to be reintegrated for passenger services.
• Increased frequency and reliability: A major focus is on boosting the number of trains per hour and improving the overall reliability of services, addressing issues like single-track sections and capacity constraints.
• Active travel integration: The strategy emphasises the need to integrate rail with walking and cycling routes, creating a more seamless and accessible transport network.

By improving connectivity, the strategy aims to improve economic growth and support businesses in accessing markets and supply chains, as well as enabling residents to access employment and educational opportunities. This will support us in our vision of becoming the UK’s leading Digital Town whilst supporting sustainable growth, our 2030 vision and 2045 Net Zero Ambition. The strategy also puts Barnsley in a strong position to secure future transport funding by clearly setting out our priorities, challenges, and investment ask, ensuring we are ready for any opportunities that arise. 

Cllr Sir Steve Houghton CBE, Leader of Barnsley Council, said: “Improved rail connectivity means more than just quicker journeys – it’s about supporting local businesses, attracting investment and making Barnsley a better connected and more sustainable place to live and grow.

“The strategy outlines our ambitions to drive forward rail improvements into and out of our borough.

“By unlocking better rail links, we’re opening doors to greater opportunities across Yorkshire and beyond.”

Cllr James Higginbottom, Cabinet Spokesperson for Environment and Transport, said: “Barnsley’s Rail Strategy will help us to deliver faster and more reliable connections to key regional locations.

“It will help residents and visitors to travel more easily for work, education and leisure.

“Our strategy will be crucial to support sustainable growth by agreeing investment priorities for the longer term.”

The strategy will be discussed at Cabinet on Wednesday, 25 June and will align with SYMCA’s Rail Strategy and the Local Transport Plan.