The next stage of Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) between Manchester and Liverpool was announced [25 March], following engagement with local leaders and MPs by ministers.
Local leaders and MPs expressed support for Northern Powerhouse Rail to serve Warrington Bank Quay and Manchester Airport and for using broadly the previously proposed route between Liverpool and Manchester.
Once delivered, passengers will benefit from quicker, more frequent services, which could see journey times cut by around a third, meaning the route between Liverpool and Manchester Piccadilly would be reduced from around 50 minutes to 35 minutes.
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It will also mean passengers are able to ‘turn up and go’, knowing the next train will only be 10 to 15 minutes away.
Capacity could also be trebled between Liverpool and Leeds, offering 2,100 extra seats per hour in each direction.
However, the government announced that it will continue to assess alternatives that meet the objectives of NPR in line with standard requirements for business case approvals.
The UK government has also suggested that any scheme must be affordable and demonstrate value for money for the taxpayer while seeking to support the rail capacity needs of central Manchester and deliver faster journey times and better connectivity across the North.
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Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, said: “Today, we are setting out the next steps for how we can transform east-west rail links in the North, helping to boost economic growth between key Northern cities as part of our Network North plan.
“I thank local leaders and local MPs for sharing their views and facilitating constructive conversations.
“I have heard a clear consensus, which means we can now take another crucial step towards delivering Northern Powerhouse Rail, part of this government’s plan to boost rail capacity, deliver faster journey times and offer better connectivity across the North.”
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