Transport vital for growth in the North, roundtable told

A virtual roundtable event organised by Avanti West Coast has highlighted the importance of partnership working and transport’s role in growth and recovery across northern England, says the operator.

A panel comprising Greater Manchester Mayor Andy

Burnham, Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram, Transport for the North Strategic Rail Director David Hoggarth and West

Coast Partnership Development Managing Director Caroline Donaldson was joined by 200 leaders and stakeholders from Cheshire, Cumbria, Lancashire, Liverpool, Manchester and the rail industry.

Burnham said: “We’re at a critical moment now. If we are going to put in place the right rail investment in the north of England, to change its fortunes as an economic entity in the 21st century, two things are required: a sense of place, building places rather than just projects; and a sense of ambition..”

“We have to make sure that transport is at the heart of recovery in our cities. It also needs to be linked to the clean air agenda, where we’re bringing through zero emissions vehicles. So, we’re simultaneously rising to the clean air challenge, as well as improving public transport.”

Hoggarth added: “HS2, Northern Powerhouse Rail and wider investment are, of course, crucial for us, but the current pandemic has reinforced the urgency with which we need to see investment coming forward.”

Donaldson said she was “very conscious” of the need to work with the Northern Transport Acceleration Council, to ensure the benefits of HS2 and Northern Powerhouse are maximised.