A lack of government investment in the north has led to Leeds train station being "at creaking point", according to Tracy Brabin.
The West Yorkshire mayor said the region's railway networks are still operating with "Victorian infrastructure" as she slammed the government's inadequate support for greater rail investment.
Leeds was gearing up for major improvements to its train station - the busiest in the north of England - and was due to undergo a major overhaul ahead of plans to bring HS2 services to the city.
