The stations were desigend to take cars off the roads

Under the proposals published three years ago, 28 new commuter stations would have been built.

Some freight lines would have been opened to passenger trains, plugging communities into the rail network.

Now the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Authority (SYPTA) has abandoned plans for most of the stations, blaming rising costs.

Proposals for only half a dozen stations are still being actively pursued including one for the new airport at Finningley.

Officials at the SYPTA have told local councils not to bother reserving land for platforms, car parks and access roads at most of the proposed station sites.

They say there is virtually no chance the stations will be built in the next ten years.