The Ripon railway The city was previously served by Ripon railway station on the Leeds–Northallerton line that ran between Leeds and Northallerton. It was once part of the North Eastern Railway and then LNER. The Ripon line was closed to passengers on 6 March 1967 and to freight on 5 September 1969 as part of the wider Beeching Axe, despite a vigorous campaign by local campaigners, including the city's MP. Today much of the route of the line through the city is now a relief road and although the former station still stands, it is now surrounded by a new housing development. The issue remains a significant one in local politics and there are movements wanting to restore the line. Reports suggest the reopening of a line between Ripon and Harrogate railway station would be economically viable, costing £40 million and could initially attract 1,200 passengers a day, rising to 2,700. Campaigners call on MPs to restore Ripon railway link. In North Yorkshire County Council's 'A Strategic Transport Prospectus for North Yorkshire', they propose to build an entirely new railway between Leeds, Harrogate and Ripon which would have a junction with the East Coast Main Line north of Northallerton station. This would enable running, reduce journey times and provide an alternative route when the current Leeds to York to Northallerton section is closed. References External links Metro line details (fare structure, map etc) NYCC's web page with the Strategic Transport Prospectus for North Yorkshire Rail transport in West Yorkshire Rail transport in North Yorkshire Transport in Harrogate Rail transport in York Transport in Leeds Railway lines opened in 1848 Railway lines in Yorkshire and the Humber 1848 establishments in England