THE railway line from Huddersfield to Penistone and Sheffield was today chosen for a Government drive to get more passengers on rural trains.

Seven lines across England have been selected to test a blueprint.

Their costs will be cut with new rules that they do not have to be maintained to the same standard as heavily-used or high-speed lines.

At the same time, community involvement will be encouraged to support and develop the lines.

Transport Secretary Alistair Darling said the plan was to support local lines where, "with a bit of imagination", revenue could be increased and costs cut.

He said: "I'm not interested in the sentiment of running the railways. We've got to be hard-headed.

"If we can get people using the railways, whether it is commuting or inter-city, or these lines where it might be possible to make a go of them, then we ought to give it every chance.

"There does come a point where, if a line is not working, is not carrying people and its costs are not coming down, then you've got to look at that.

"We can't be in the business of carting fresh air around the country."

Former Huddersfield man David Quarmby, chairman of the Strategic Rail Authority, said: "Too many empty seats are running up and down Britain's branch lines safely and reliably - but expensively.

"This strategy charts a way both to grow income and to reduce costs.

"The prize is worth winning, a railway with a long-term future that contributes more to the local economy, as well as to meeting Government targets on accessibility, the environment and social exclusion."

Fifty-six lines will become Community Rail lines if the pilot project is a success.