A major study to improve public transport connectivity for Goole and the Lower Aire Valley to Leeds has been commissioned by East Riding of Yorkshire Council from consultants Stantec, through the YORconsult framework.

Working with local authority partners across Yorkshire, the study will develop a ‘case for change’ to explore better strategic transport links between Goole, Knottingley and onward connections to Leeds, Hull and Wakefield.

The study area includes Goole, Rawcliffe, Snaith, Hensall, Eggborough, Knottingley, Pontefract, Featherstone, Castleford and Normanton.

Key drivers for the study include employment growth, with new developments at Humber Freeport sites and major projects at Eggborough and Kellingley, as well as housing development with over 2,600 homes planned for Goole and Howden. Additionally, there has been increased regional and leisure travel demand, with more travel to employment and shopping destinations such as Leeds, Wakefield, Xscape and Junction 32 Shopping Outlet. Currently, limited services force commuters to use longer, indirect routes and it is hoped the study will result in better services for the region.

Harrison Cook, Duty Manager  for ERYC Economic Development Services said:

“East Riding of Yorkshire Council was pleased to use the YORconsult3 framework to appoint Stantec for the Goole Leeds rail study. The YORhub framework offered an efficient and transparent route to procurement, enabling us to quickly engage an experienced consultant with the right expertise to help us shape the future of transport connectivity in Goole and the Lower Aire Valley.”

As part of the study, residents from across the area were asked to share their views in a survey on current travel habits, barriers to using public transport and future travel choices.