Transport for the North has acquired status as a formal partner to the government after a two-year partnership. This new status marks an era as it provides the opportunity for the North to shape the future of transport.
Now is the time to look towards economic prosperity by looking at what can be done to achieve this across the whole Northern region. “The scale of opportunity and ambition cannot be understated,” said chairman John Cridland.
“For the first time, recommendations on what and where investment is needed will be agreed by the people that live and work in the North, allowing us to speak with a united voice to central government.”
Cridland adds that Transport for the North has a Strategic Transport Plan which will act as the blueprint for transport infrastructure improvements for the 30 years. Currently, a number of projects are being developed.
“We’re developing fully-costed proposals for Northern Powerhouse Rail, developing plans for major road improvements including a trans Pennine tunnel, starting to roll-out smart ticketing, and are driving tangible service improvements through our co-management of Rail North franchises,” said Cridland. “This coming year will be the busiest and most important yet.”
Transport minister Jo Johnson commented: “With significant new powers enabling Transport for the North to speak with one voice and drive forward crucial projects, such as Northern Powerhouse Rail and smart ticketing, I am confident that TfN will play a pivotal role in delivering the future of northern transport.”
