Rail passengers travelling in and out of Leeds by train will be some of the first in the country to have access to a purpose designed travel plan after Leeds was selected to take part in a national pilot scheme.
Leeds is one of 24 locations across the country which has been picked to develop a Station Travel Plan – a project which will encourage all rail users to consider eco-friendly ways of getting to and from the station instead of travelling by car. 
Over the next nine months extensive passenger research will be carried out to understand how and why passengers choose particular modes of transport and what would need to be introduced to encourage them to use alternative modes.
Green options which will be promoted include public transport, cycling and walking – all of which will help lower CO2 emissions and reduce congestion around the station.
Possible incentives could include improved cycle storage facilities, better bus interchange or more passenger information and directions to key landmarks which can be accessed on foot.
Once the consultation has taken place, the Station Travel Plan will be developed and implemented during 2009. Further research to evaluate the effectiveness of the plan will be undertaken in 2011.
Councillor Stuart Andrew, deputy executive board member responsible for transport in Leeds, said, “We are committed to encouraging the use of sustainable transport and reducing the city’s carbon footprint. By offering rail users smarter transport choices to make travelling to and from the railway station cheaper, easier and quicker we can help to reduce congestion and CO2 emissions.
“The fact Leeds has been selected to be involved in the Station Travel Plan pilot reflects the city’s determination to be green and by working closely with our partners, I am sure this project will be a success.”
The Station Travel Plan will be developed through a partnership of Leeds City Council, Metro, the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC), Network Rail, train companies, Passenger Focus, the Railway Safety and Standards Board and the Campaign for Better Transport.
The Station Travel Plan for England and Wales initiative was launched by the Secretary of State for Transport, Ruth Kelly on Friday 11 July.
