Passengers and freight operators across the North and Midlands will see faster, greener and more reliable rail services, as the Government announces a significant funding boost into the railways today.
Investment of £317m into the set-piece Transpennine Route Upgrade will boost punctuality, reliability and connectivity for passengers between York, Leeds and Manchester, and £69m of improvements to increase freight capacity between the Port of Southampton and the Midlands will boost economic growth.
£15m from the New Stations Fund will also build new stations at Marsh Barton in Exeter, and White Rose and Thorpe Park in Leeds, to connect communities, support retail growth, improve access to employment and leisure, and support greener travel choices.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Modernising and upgrading our vital transport links is critical to levelling up every part of this country, unleashing our economy and spreading opportunity as we build back better.
“Following closely after our reforms to deliver a modern, green and innovative railway that meets the needs of the nation, this package of £401m investment will help deliver reliable, punctual services that passengers across the UK can count on.”
Transport Ministers Chris Heaton-Harris and Andrew Stephenson set out how the total package of £401m will build on existing investments to improve rail connectivity, journey speeds and capacity across the country.
On Monday, the Rail Minister visited Kettering station to see how major Government funding is already introducing more modern services for passengers.
Chris Heaton-Harris saw the completion of the first phase of the £1.5bn Midland Main Line upgrade, which has successfully delivered the launch of East Midlands Railway’s first electric services.
Cutting carbon emissions by 77% on the route between Corby and London St Pancras, and running on a newly completed additional track between Kettering and Corby, the fleet delivers greener journeys, more late night and early morning services, and extra seats for passengers.
Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris said: “The scale of today’s investment demonstrates our commitment to delivering more punctual, greener and comfortable services right across the country.
“From the vital Transpennine and Midland Main Line upgrades, new stations giving communities in Yorkshire and the South West rail connections for the first time, and a shot in the arm for freight operators, we’re building a brighter future for the railways.”
Transport Minister Andrew Stephenson will visit major works taking place along the Transpennine route in Yorkshire today, including at Leeds, Hambleton and Colton, to see electrification works that form an important part of the Government’s agenda to achieve zero carbon by 2050. Proposals for even more extensive electrification on the route are currently being considered.
The bulk of the new funding into the Transpennine Route Upgrade will be used to improve connectivity between Leeds, Manchester and York, and deliver electrification and upgrades between York and Church Fenton.
As one of the busiest stretches of track in the North, with over 100 trains passing through each day, these works will improve reliability and enable new and upgraded hybrid trains to run under electric power.
Transport Minister Andrew Stephenson said: “Additional investment into the Transpennine Route Upgrade will cut delays and create a more punctual network, with electrification helping deliver greener journeys on this key route.
“Only by investing in, modernising and expanding our railways can we provide passengers with the reliable and resilient services they expect, and create a transport network that is fit for the future.”
Responding to the news Darren Caplan, Chief Executive of the Railway Industry Association (RIA), said: “The Railway Industry Association and our members will welcome the Government’s confirmation of further electrification work on the Trans Pennine Route, and look forward to the green light for electrification of the whole route.
“With the completion of electrification on the Midland Main line – delivered to time and budget – a consistent profile of further electrification work will help retain the skills, expertise and capabilities needed in the industry, to build the world-class railway network the country needs as we move on from the Coronavirus pandemic.
“We hope the announcement today is the start of an extensive programme to electrify the UK’s railway lines around the country. As RIA’s Rail Decarbonisation 2021 campaign highlights, a rolling programme of cost-effective electrification – coupled with Government support and fleet orders for hydrogen and battery trains – will be essential if the UK is to hit its goals of decarbonising rail by 2040 and securing Net Zero by 2050.
“RIA also welcomes investment in new stations in the South West and increasing the capacity on lines as part of Oxford Phase 2 project. By improving connectivity for communities across the country, and continuing to enhance the rail network with intensified electrification for example, UK rail really can support the Government’s ‘build back better’ agenda, boosting jobs, investment and economic growth for UK plc, at this critical time.”
Photo credit: Department for Transport
