Northern civic and business leaders will come together virtually to discuss how the region can ‘build back better’ at #TfN20 Annual Conference in December.
Economic recovery and long-term transformation for the North of England will dominate this year’s Transport for the North (TfN) Annual Conference, with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and Transport for the North Chairman John Cridland the first confirmed speakers.
The free #TfN20 event, taking place online on Monday 14 December, will focus on how the region can build back better and greener from the Covid-19 pandemic with the right transport investment.
As the Government continues its commitment to “levelling up” the country, Northern civic and business leaders and transport experts will discuss the key challenges and opportunities facing the North – and where investment could and should be accelerated.
Across a series of themed discussions, they will look at the Integrated Rail Plan; the Spending Review and Green Book appraisal method; the commitments to funding key infrastructure projects such as Northern Powerhouse Rail and HS2, and how transport investment underpins efforts to “rebuild and transform” the North.
They will also cover recent efforts and future ambitions around putting passengers first and decarbonisation, and take a closer look at Transport for the North’s Economic Recovery Plan, which could kickstart the creation of thousands of jobs by delivering shovel-ready infrastructure projects.
Mayor Andy Burnham said: “In the past few months we’e seen increasing focus on the needs of the North, and now is the time to invest in our region so that we can ‘build back better’ and put ourselves on the path to growth.
“The people and businesses of the North deserve a transport network that meets their needs, and building this must come hand-in-hand with other infrastructure investment and wider social and economic support.
“The TfN Annual Conference will once again demonstrate how we, as Northern leaders and Northern people, are speaking together with one voice to ensure we get what we need to meet our ambitious plans for the future.”
Barry White, Chief Executive at Transport for the North, said: “We’re at a pivotal moment for the nation, where big Government decisions about the level of investment in long-term rail projects are set to be made, alongside policy decisions on decarbonisation and new structures for the rail industry.
“By representing the North’s civic and business leaders, we can give one clear voice on what’s best for the North’s economic future and how investment can be accelerated into our region.
“Transport for the North has always been about highlighting the importance of transport not only for getting from A to B, but to unlock jobs, prosperity and opportunity. Against the severe shockwave of Covid-19, that mission is more important than ever.”
Further guest announcements will be made in advance of the event for the latest news visit transportforthenorth.com/annual-conference.
The #TfN20 Conference is free to attend and open to all. Click here to register.