Transport for the North has welcomed the announcement from the Government on funding for Network Rail, to enable it to keep our railways moving through Control Period 6, which covers 2019-2024.
We also welcome the Government’s decision to also commit to separate funding for large-scale schemes which offer opportunities for long-term transformation of rail services from the budget for the day-to-day maintenance of the railways. We believe it is important that these potential investments can be considered on their own merit and hope that this approach encourages longer term planning which will address the severe capacity deficit on our rail infrastructure.
By the end of the year, Network Rail will be making recommendations to the Government on the best approach for the much-needed Trans-Pennine Route Upgrade, reducing journey times and increasing frequency of trains between Manchester, Leeds and York. Rail North and TfN look forward to work with the Department for Transport and Network Rail to ensure that the best possible solution is reached for delivering these vital improvements. Transport for the North will follow these plans with its own proposals for Northern Powerhouse Rail which will deliver significant growth by transforming rail connections across the North and freeing up capacity for urban rail services and freight.