Industry reaction

The publication of Transport for the North’s draft Strategic Transport Plan and updated Long Term Rail Strategy has been welcomed by industry leaders as an important step towards transforming connectivity and regional economies across the North of England.

Neil Carberry, CBI Managing Director for Infrastructure and People, said: “The publication is a significant milestone in delivering the infrastructure that is needed to boost productivity across the whole of the North. Their plans for improved connections between the towns, cities and economic centres that will drive growth, reflect many of the priorities highlighted by businesses in the North.”

Railway Industry Association Chief Executive Darren Caplan said: “These improvements are all vital in improving connectivity and spurring jobs and investment. Now TfN, working alongside the Government and various industry partners, needs to develop the business case for these improvements so that we can start getting spades in the ground.”

Rail Delivery Group Chief Executive Paul Plummer added: “Northern Powerhouse Rail is an exciting development with the potential to transform the economy of the north of England.

“Rail companies are already working together with a longterm plan to change and improve services to boost communities and economies locally, and TfN’s draft strategic plan is a valuable addition to this.”