Transport for the North (TfN) today welcomed major new transport spending announcements revealed by the Chancellor, offering a significant transport boost to towns and cities across the region.
In a speech delivered at a bus factory in Rochdale, Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves unveiled plans as part of a £15 billion national transport package, focusing on upgrading and expanding northern transport networks.
Key elements include:
- More than £2 billion for a new mass transit system in West Yorkshire, with “spades in the ground” by 2028
- Extensions to Greater Manchester’s tram network
- Metro Link expansion to Washington in the North East
- Renewal of South Yorkshire’s Supertram
- New rapid bus routes for the Liverpool City Region
- New bus stations in Wakefield and Bradford
TfN’s Chief Executive, Martin Tugwell, responded positively to the announcements, stating:
“Better connectivity is fundamental to unlocking sustainable and inclusive growth. If people are unable to move around easily because of poor transport options it means the whole local economy is held back.
“These vital investments will help to improve the transport connections for our city regions. TfN is committed to working with our Mayors and political leaders in the North to help deliver these schemes.”
Tugwell also welcomed news that the Chancellor will move to reform the Treasury’s ‘Green Book’, a key mechanism for determining investment decisions that has long been criticised for favouring London and the South:
“We are also pleased to hear that the Chancellor has listened to the advice from TfN and others in the North to reform the Treasury’s ‘Green Book’, to drive more investment in all regions. We will continue to work closely to inform that review with the North’s data and evidence.”
Further details are expected in the Spending Review announcement next week, which is likely to include more funding for regional infrastructure, building on this transport boost and signalling a potential turning point for the North’s long-term transport ambitions.
