North East Mayor Kim McGuinness has set out a bold new vision for the region’s rail network, placing devolution at the heart of plans to improve services, reduce fares and create a more integrated public transport system.
The proposed Rail Vision, which is due to be discussed by the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority Cabinet, outlines a long-term roadmap to 2040. The strategy aims to give the region greater control over local rail services and infrastructure while driving major investment in stations, connectivity and passenger experience.
Central to the plan is the Mayor’s belief that decisions about rail services should be made closer to the communities they serve.
Mayor Kim said:
“Devolution is our chance to finally transform how the rail system is run and to make it far more affordable for local people.”
“I have been clear I want to see more powers given to regions so the needs of local people are at the heart of every decision – that's how it should be, and that’s what I'm fighting for.
“Devolution of rail powers such as more control over our local stations will allow us to take quicker action to improve stations and trains, delivering improvements everyone can see when they travel. We know now is the time to act – with the Prime Minister championing further devolution for our regions and the formation of the new rail body Great British Railways.
“We need to be at the forefront of this, setting out what we want for rail – reversing decades of under investment and failures to deliver the transformation that people expect to see. I know what’s needed and it is a big task, people tell me too often that things will ‘never happen’ when it comes to our rail plans but I'll prove them wrong – I will deliver change for the people of the North East.
“Getting a train should be affordable, accessible and safe, with a good choice of routes, frequent services and simple fares. Smart, integrated tickets should make travel easy and guarantee you get the cheapest price available – other parts of the country have this already so it’s time the North East does too – our Rail Vision is just the start.”
Major Rail Improvements Planned
The Rail Vision sets out a programme of investment and reform designed to create a fully integrated transport network, supporting the Mayor’s wider ambition for the Angel Network.
Key priorities include:
- Affordable and simplified rail fares.
- Improved integration between rail, Metro and bus services.
- More frequent and reliable train services.
- Modern, accessible stations.
- Enhanced safety measures across the network.
Rail Roadmap to 2040
The document details a series of major projects aimed at transforming rail travel across the North East.
Among the headline proposals are:
- Introduction of Mayor’s Fares across local rail services to reduce transport costs.
- Delivery of the long-awaited Metro to Washington project, including three new stations.
- Reinstatement of the Leamside Line, enabling Northern Powerhouse Rail services to reach the region and providing additional capacity on the East Coast Main Line.
- Expansion of local rail services, including a potential extension of the Northumberland Line to Newbiggin-by-the-Sea.
- Creation of a dedicated Rail Development Fund to accelerate future schemes.
- Greater devolution of rail powers and decision-making.
- Modernisation of the Tyne and Wear Metro through a new signalling system.
- Deployment of newer electric and battery-powered trains.
- Introduction of seamless smart ticketing across rail, Metro and bus services.
- Programmes aimed at improving safety for women and girls and enhancing accessibility.
- Additional early morning and late evening services.
- Increased service frequencies, with more stations receiving trains every 30 minutes.
- Additional seating capacity on the Northumberland Line.
- Growth in rail freight and stronger national connectivity.
- Station upgrades including improvements at Sunderland Station, Newcastle Central Station and Metrocentre Station.
New Partnership with the Rail Industry
Alongside publication of the Rail Vision, the Mayor has entered into a new agreement with rail industry partners to help accelerate delivery of the strategy.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed at Sunderland Station, commits the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority and rail industry stakeholders to working together to improve services, infrastructure and the overall passenger experience.
The agreement is intended to strengthen collaboration as the region seeks to secure greater influence over rail planning and investment decisions, particularly as the UK rail sector continues to evolve under the new Great British Railways structure.
For rail industry leaders, operators, suppliers and local authorities, the Rail Vision represents one of the most ambitious transport blueprints seen in the North East for decades, with devolution, integration and passenger-focused improvements forming the foundation of the strategy.
Image credit: iStock
