Political and business leaders from Sheffield and Leeds joined forces to call on the government to deliver rail improvements between Yorkshire’s two largest cities.

South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard, Sheffield City Council leader Tom Hunt, Leeds City Council leader James Lewis and West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brain are to speak in the House of Commons this week to call for “much-improved services” between the two cities and key investment in their main rail stations.

Oliver Coppard, South Yorkshire Mayor, said: “After decades of under-investment, it’s time we got a fair deal. Investment in rail isn’t just about faster trains, it’s about tackling the big challenges we face and helping Yorkshire move forward.”

According to the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), backed by representatives from across the public and private sectors, they are urging the government to commit to a clear timetable and delivery plan that will include four fast trains an hour between Sheffield and Leeds, while bringing major upgrades to both Sheffield Midland and Leeds City stations.

Currently, the two cities are generating almost £50 billion in GVA together, but are connected by just one fast train an hour, with outdated infrastructure slowing growth across the wider region.

The SYMCA also claimed that up to £25 billion each year across the wider White Rose region, according to the latest research.

Tracy Brabin, West Yorkshire Mayor, said that Yorkshire deserves a modern, reliable rail network that matches its ambition.

She said: “We deserve far better than the creaking and unreliable rail network we currently have serving the two great cities of Leeds and Sheffield.

“That is why we’re calling for faster services and investment in our stations to address capacity and connectivity issues which are holding the economy back.”