01.07.16
Improved northern transport links must be integrated with local networks – TfN
Better rail links between Northern cities will only help improve productivity if they are connected with local public transport networks, Transport for the North has said in its Northern Powerhouse Independent Economic Review.
The report says that more must be done to bring the north’s economic performance in line with the rest of England. The value of goods and services produced in the north has persistently stayed 10-15% behind the rest of the country for the last 30 years, and gains made prior to the 2007 recession have been reversed.
The report adds that better transport links in the north, whether between cities, within cities or to other parts of England and other countries, would increase employment and productivity by improving access to areas of employment and attracting investment to a region.
However, it says: “While it is clear that improved transport connectivity can play an enabling role in rebalancing the economy and closing the performance gap between the north and the rest of England, it is impossible to put a figure on this and say ‘X £m of transport spending will close the performance gap by Y%’.”
It warns that the northern rail network currently suffers from “poor connections, low frequencies and complex fares as well as slow journey times”.
It says that enhanced city-to-city rail links such as HS3 will only improve the economy if they are connected with local public transport networks, for instance through smart ticketing with simplified prices.
A recent report from think tank Centre for Cities argued that Northern Powerhouse investment should be concentrated within cities instead of on transport links, saying that a relatively small number of northerners commute between cities for their jobs.
In contrast, a survey of delegates at the Northern Powerhouse International conference found that they thought transport investment was the top priority for building the Powerhouse.
The report also says that lack of surface access to airports is “one of the principal constraints” to northern economic growth. A recent report from the Transport Select Committee also criticised the British rail network’s lack of connectivity to airports.
Lord O’Neill, the commercial secretary to the Treasury, said that the review’s strategy for boosting the economy was more important than ever following the UK’s vote to leave the EU.
He said: “As the chancellor has said, the referendum result is even more of an instruction to deliver on our work to build a Northern Powerhouse and so it is hugely encouraging that the region’s leaders are working together to set out their long term priorities. We will continue to work together to make the North an even better place to live, work and invest in and remind the world that the region is open for business.”
There have been warnings that the referendum result may lead to a lack of funding for major rail projects such as HS2 and upgrades on the East Anglia franchise.
In November, RTM will be hosting the Northern Powerhouse Rail Conference (NPRC) which is the new companion event to the established and successful TransCityRail North networking dinner.
Taking place on the same day as the evening dinner, the NPRC will set the agenda for rail in the north of England. The event will highlight the economic benefits Northern Powerhouse Rail will bring to the region, as well as detailing what opportunities exist for the supply chain.
(Image c. Graeme Bickerdike)
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