Strikes, late trains and deserted platforms. That was a timetable of change of challenges for rail passengers at Leeds City Station during the 1980s. The decade started with strikes leaving deserted platforms and trains on the tracks to nowhere. The middle of the 1980s signalled embarrassment for British Rail officials and representatives of the West Yorkshire Passengers Transport Authority. British Rail’s newest flag flier - the prestigious ‘sprinter’ train - limped into Leeds City Station on its Yorkshire debut in early 1986, an embarrassing 22 minutes late. Officials paced up and down platform 3 looking at their watches as the train failed to appear. It was due to take VIPs on a tour of West Yorkshire rail network and publicity information proclaimed: “The quicker way from here to there in West Yorkshire.” This wonderful collection of photos, plucked from the Yorkshire Evening Post archive, showcases the changes and challenges faced by commuters. READ MORE: 12 lost Leeds railway stations you may remember LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
1. Leeds City Station
A busy Leeds City Station just before 8.55am on a January morning in 1983. | YPN Photo: YPN
2. Leeds City Station
January 1986 and British Rail's newest flag flier - the prestigious 'sprinter' train - limped into Leeds City Station, 22 minutes late. | YPN Photo: YPN
4. Leeds City Station
Bin and gone. No trains during a strike in January 1982 so time for the great tidy up. | YPN Photo: YPN
5. Leeds City Station
An eerie quiet with no trains and no passengers in June 1982. | YPN Photo: YPN
6. Leeds City Station
In a flap. A pigeon makes its way through a deserted Leeds City Station. | YPN Photo: YPN