Martin Tugwell, CEO of Transport for the North, said:
“We welcome today’s announcement on Northern Powerhouse Rail and the renewed commitment to improving rail connectivity across the North. Better connections between our major cities, towns and economic centres are essential if the North is to fulfil its economic potential.
“Transport for the North’s Strategic Transport Plan is clear that investment must focus on strengthening connectivity between the North’s key economic corridors, improving capacity, reliability and journey times to support jobs, productivity and growth. It is why the North has called for “NPR in full” for many years; it is fundamental to unlocking these opportunities and delivering long-term benefits for people and businesses.
“We look forward to continuing to work closely with government and our partners to support delivery of the ambitions set out today, and those translate into a fully integrated, transformational rail network that the North needs and deserves.”