Rail Boost For The North: Transpennine Upgrade One Step Closer

Thousands of passengers are now one step closer to faster, more frequent and reliable trains across the North, as the electrification of the Church Fenton to York rail line is completed today (Tuesday 5 August), part of the £11 billion Government-funded Transpennine Route Upgrade.

Faster trains will cut journey times between York and Leeds by ten minutes and Manchester and Leeds from 50 to 42 minutes, with up to six fast services an hour— making it easier for people to get to work, do business and travel across the region.

These upgrades will bring passengers faster trains, whilst a new signalling system and bridge upgrades will make trains more reliable and allow more services to run.

Extensive station improvements along the route will also improve accessibility and facilities at the busiest stations across the North.

During a visit to the region to see completed and ongoing work, the Secretary of State, Heidi Alexander, became one of the first people to enjoy the new electrified line, travelling from Leeds to York.  

This upgrade is set to create over 5,000 jobs, support the development of 6,500 new homes, and unlock commercial space across the North – driving economic growth as part of the Plan for Change.

It comes as part of wider efforts across government to invest in the vital infrastructure the country needs to rebuild Britain and unlock growth across every region.

Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: 

“Today is a moment of celebration for a project that will transform train travel for millions of passengers across the North. More reliable, efficient trains are now running on 25% of the full Transpennine route.

“We are delivering on our Plan for Change by upgrading rail links across the North - slashing journey times between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York.

“Electrification between Church Fenton and York was delivered on time and on budget, this government is investing in ambitious projects and seeing them through, delivering change in areas that desperately need it.

“This upgrade is about opportunity, not just by expanding and improving people's travel options, but by creating more than 5,000 new jobs and supporting 6,500 new homes, kickstarting economic growth in the areas that need it most.”  

Today’s upgrade will enable electric TransPennine Express (TPE) trains to run from Manchester Victoria to Stalybridge and Church Fenton to York – electrifying both ends of the route.

The government is improving employment opportunities across the country, 85% of the Transpennine Route Upgrade workforce is employed within a 40-mile radius of the route, putting more money in the pockets of local people and helping local businesses expand their reach across the North, giving them the confidence to realise their full potential. 

New communities will be supported by these new travel options, station redevelopments at York Central and Ravensthorpe will regenerate local areas and provide opportunity for 2,500 homes to be built, alongside one million square feet of commercial space and 18 acres of park land in York, and 4,000 homes at Ravensthorpe. 

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: "It's fantastic to see how the Transpennine Route Upgrade is delivering real improvements for passengers in Yorkshire.

"This project, which is currently on time and on budget, will provide more frequent, faster and greener trains, as well as a highly-skilled workforce for future transport projects.

"Investment in our rail network helps create new jobs, open up opportunities and unlock much-needed housing as we build a better-connected region that works for all." 

The trains will be greener too, as works completed today between York and Church Fenton contribute to the programme’s aim of saving 108,000 tonnes of carbon emissions every year.

David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said: “For too long, public transport in York and North Yorkshire hasn't worked well enough. That’s why the completion of the electrified line between Church Fenton and York is such a vital milestone, with a quarter of the route upgrade now complete.

"The Government's commitment to connecting people to opportunities through faster, greener, and more reliable rail journeys is incredibly welcome. This crucial part of the £11bn Transpennine Route Upgrade unlocks opportunities for jobs and regeneration across the region. It’s the kind of investment we need to build the transport system the North deserves.” 

ENDS