Government to inject £317m into northern rail network

The government has announced a major investment into the rail network across the Midlands and the north, including a £317m upgrade of the Transpennine route between York, Leeds and Manchester.

The programme will be designed to boost punctuality, reliability and connectivity for passengers along the route .

Andrew Stephenson, transport minister, 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."

Damian Waters, CBI North West director, added: "This is a vote of confidence in our region that will be welcomed by businesses of all sizes.

"Investments like this will reassure hard-pressed firms across the North that there is substance behind the government’s plan to level-up the country by improving connectivity and providing better, low emissions alternatives to car travel."

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