Grayling backs Statutory Partner status for Transport for the North

Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling has backed Transport for the North’s bid to become England’s first Sub-national Transport Body.

The response is seen by the organisation as a positive step in strengthening plans for the organisation to speak as one voice for the region.

TfN has had to demonstrate that, in becoming a statutory body, the new arrangements will deliver better outcomes for passengers and transport users across the North. Along with its partners, TfN will now work through the final stages of becoming a Sub-national Transport Body, with formal statutory status expected to be granted before the end of the year.

Grayling said: “This is another important step forward for Transport for the North, and will help the region to speak with one voice on its transport priorities. The Government is committed to working together with our public and private sector partners in the North to embrace the ongoing opportunities to deliver the Northern Powerhouse.”

TfN Chief Executive David Brown said: “Until now we have largely been working behind the scenes, gathering evidence and working with our partners to identify what needs to be done to create a plan for the North capable of delivering transformational change.

“Becoming a Statutory Partner will allow us to ensure the priorities we identify are formally considered by the Government.”