Time for more train services at popular new station - Reeves

Ms Reeves said the numbers of passengers using Kirkstall Forge station since it opened last June justified a review of the trains calling at the stop.

Recent figures showed 21,400 journeys were made between Kirkstall Forge and Leeds in the first five months of the station being in operation.

Forecasts for the entire first year had put expected passenger journeys at 20,299.

Ms Reeves said: “Kirkstall Forge is already proving a big success just months after opening last June.

“But we need more trains to stop there to provide a regular and reliable service to serve a growing community at Kirkstall Forge and ease the congestion on local roads.

“I’ve written to Arriva Rail North to ask them to review the current timetable and increase the number of trains that stop there.

“The Kirkstall Forge development is a major investment in the area that will provide jobs and homes. But we need more trains to stop there to maximise the huge potential of the area.

“The station is already popular with people who want to park their car at the station and commute into the city centre and we need to build on that promising start.

“I hope that Arriva Rail North will do their best to help improve public transport by increasing the number of trains serving Kirkstall Forge and ensure its continuing success.”

Kirkstall Forge station is part of a wider redevelopment of an old industrial site which will include offices and homes with a planning application for more than 100 houses expected to be submitted shortly.

In her letter, Ms Reeves pointed out that the current timetable can leave gaps of up to an hour between services connecting Kirkstall Forge and Leeds at peak times.