20.03.15
Multi-billion pound plans to transform rail in the north
A blueprint to transform travel in the north, including a new TransNorth rail system that could radically reduce travel times and complement the £50bn investment into HS2, has been launched this morning.
The ‘TransNorth’ network – with sections capable of speeds up to 140mph – would link Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, Newcastle and Hull. New routes, which would also reduce travel times significantly, costing £40bn-£65bn collectively, have been suggested:
- Leeds to Newcastle times of around 50 minutes (compared to a best time of 87 minutes currently): £8.5bn to £14bn – Option 1
- Sheffield to Manchester times of around 27 minutes (best time 48 minutes currently), and Manchester to Leeds in around 30 minutes: £12bn to £19bn – Option 2
- Manchester to Leeds times of around 30 minutes (best time 49 minutes currently): £6.5bn to £10bn – Option 3
- Liverpool to Manchester times of around 20 minutes (best time 32 minutes currently): £8bn to £13bn – Option 4
- Leeds to Hull times of around 28 minutes (best time 55 minutes currently): £5.5bn to £9bn – Option 5
Upgrades and cut-offs costing £12.5bn to £23bn-plus
- Leeds to Newcastle journey times of around 70 to 80 minutes: £1bn to £4bn – Option 6
- Sheffield to Manchester times of around 39 minutes: £3bn to £5bn – Option 7
- Manchester to Leeds times of around 34 minutes: £4.5bn to £7bn – Option 8
- Liverpool to Manchester times of around 23 minutes: £4bn to £7bn – Option 9
- Sheffield to Hull times of around 60 minutes (compared to a best time of 86 minutes currently) through upgrading the existing route – Option 10 – or using HS2 into Leeds, combined with the proposed Leeds to Hull improvements
Transport for the North (TfN) unveiled the ambitious vision at the Port of Liverpool this morning in a joint report with the government – ‘The Northern Powerhouse: One Agenda, One Economy, One North’.
Network Rail’s work on the ‘Northern transport strategy’ sets out a long-term strategy for upgrades and new lines between key northern cities, building on the concept of High Speed 3.
However, these projects are still some way off and the money suggested must be found by the next government.
The government said it will deliver HS2 – Britain’s new north-south high speed railway – in the north sooner by preparing a dedicated Hybrid Bill to lay during the next Parliament. This is with a view to bringing HS2 to Crewe sooner than planned, subject to further analysis and final decisions on preferred route.
It will also look at the case for accelerating the construction of the route between Leeds and Sheffield, and allowing it to be used by fast regional train services.
Sir Richard Leese, chair of the TfN Partnership Board and leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Our vision is for a north which has a vibrant and growing economy, acts as a magnet for inward investment, and which capitalises on the strengths of the great cities of the north.”
TfN has also called for immediate action to simplify rail fares across the north, eliminating the “unfair price differences that exist at present”. It is also drawing up proposals for a fares structure for an integrated northern travel area.
Work will also begin on developing contactless travel cards that can be used across northern cities as well as on providing simpler, more unified information for passengers, making it easier for them to plan and make their journeys.
The chancellor and transport secretary, Patrick McLoughlin, are in the north west today to launch the report. After meeting with northern leaders at the Port of Liverpool’s container terminal L2, he is joining the Chancellor on a visit to Stockport to discuss the ‘Northern transport strategy’.
McLoughlin said: “Creating a northern powerhouse of jobs, investment and prosperity, is a key objective of the government’s long term economic plan. We are planning for transport and growth in a new joined-up way. Today we set out a comprehensive strategy for the northern economy which will help the north pool its strengths. TfN gives the north a powerful new voice.”
The government and TfN added that they will work together to a produce multi-modal freight and logistics strategy for the north, to help the private sector invest with confidence in ports and other freight centres.
Philippa Edmunds, Freight on Rail manager, said: “Rail freight is an intrinsic part of the economy in the north of England transporting consumer products and bulk traffic such as coal, biomass, aggregates, steel and petrochemicals. The north of England is the origin or destination of over 40% of UK rail freight volumes.
“A freight strategy should define what capacity and intermodal terminals are needed to unlock rail’s potential to further reduce road congestion, road fatalities, infrastructure damage and pollution.”
Stephen Joseph, chief executive at the Campaign for Better Transport, added that the plans for faster rail connections, simpler fares structures and smart ticketing systems are all big steps forward, and he is glad that the government has listened to research demonstrating the value of fairer and clearer fares across the region.
“We also welcome the announcement that a multi-modal freight and logistics strategy will be produced, which must address the need to get more freight off the roads and on to rail,” he said. “However, plans for road projects including extra lanes to be added to motorways and a proposed tunnel under the Peak District are a waste of money and will undermine the effectiveness of the other measures proposed. New roads create new traffic, and will not help to solve the region's needs for a sustainable transport system.”
To ensure the TfN plans are carried forward, a clear governance structure and an independent chair for TfN will be in place by autumn 2015, memorandums of understanding will be agreed with Network Rail, High Speed 2 Ltd and Highways England in spring 2015 and the strategy will be updated in spring 2016.
The government added that it will also look to make a multi-year commitment of funding to TfN supporting the vision set out in the report. However, by the time this happens the structure of government may be somewhat different.
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