Metro Chairman Councillor Chris Greaves has welcomed confirmation by the Office of the Rail Regulator (ORR) that it has given the go-ahead for additional train services between West Yorkshire and the Leeds City Region, and London Kings Cross.

"The ORR's decision means that Grand Union will be running three return services each day which will mean new, direct links with London for Bradford, Halifax, Brighouse, Pontefract and Wakefield," said Councillor Greaves.

"It also means there will be an additional third National Express East Coast service every other hour between Kings Cross and Leeds, which subject to timetabling issues being resolved will run through to Harrogate," he continued.

One of the two existing hourly National Express trains between London Kings Cross and Leeds might also be extended to Bradford Forster Square if it can be fitted into the route's busy timetable, Councillor Greaves explained.

"It is good news for West Yorkshire and the Leeds City Region that the ORR has confirmed its decision," added Councillor Greaves. "These additional rail links with the capital, which Metro has strongly supported, can only strengthen the local economy."

The new services should start running from December 2009.