The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) has published its 2025 Sustainable Development Report, showcasing a year of major strides toward creating a faster, greener, and more reliable railway across the North—while leaving a lasting legacy for the communities it serves.
At the heart of this progress is TRU’s sustainability strategy, Our Guiding Compass, which embeds long-term thinking into every aspect of delivery. From cutting carbon and enhancing biodiversity to boosting job opportunities and improving passenger experience, sustainability is shaping every decision.
Alex Peters, Acting Head of Sustainability for TRU, reflects on the programme’s momentum:
"I'm really proud of the progress we've made in our sustainable development this year. This report demonstrates that TRU is doing far more than improving railway infrastructure - it’s making a real, positive difference in communities along our route and leaving a sustainable legacy.
We've electrified lines, launched the TRU Community Fund, introduced our first sustainable composite sleepers and identified Biodiversity Net Gain on the ground. These are just a few milestones from across the programme and I'm excited by what's to come, and the impact we will continue to make."
Key Highlights from 2024–2025
The report covers achievements between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, across TRU’s four sustainability pillars: Northern Jobs, Enhanced Environment, Satisfied Customers, and Working with Communities.
Major milestones include:
- Electrification completed between Manchester Victoria–Stalybridge and York–Church Fenton, bringing the route to 25% fully electrified.
- 3,917 work experience days delivered for young people and adults.
- Recruitment of 99 apprentices and 39 graduates, including TRU’s leadership in launching PlanBEE Rail, the UK’s first shared higher apprenticeship for the rail sector.
- Installation of 155 sustainable composite sleepers at Osmondthorpe Lane—cutting carbon by 70% per sleeper and earning the ICE Smeaton Award.
- 98.9% of construction waste diverted from landfill.
- Development of eight biodiversity gain sites, with the first 30-year habitat management plan expected at Fairfield station.
- Launch of the TRU Community Fund, awarding £150,000 to 27 groups, with a second round now underway.
Driving Jobs and Skills Across the North
TRU is unlocking long-term economic growth by creating new employment and training pathways. The second cohort of PlanBEE Rail apprentices began their careers this year through a collaborative model involving Network Rail, Gateshead College, NSAR, and 12 industry partners. Apprentices rotate through four six-month placements, gaining multi-disciplinary experience while studying for a Level 4 qualification.
Local supply chain investment remains a priority, with 69% of non-core spend going to suppliers within 25 miles of the route—contributing to £706.5m in local spending, including £323.4m with SMEs. Partnerships with businesses like COWAP highlight how TRU is driving regional growth.
Engaging Communities and Inspiring the Next Generation
TRU’s outreach continues to make an impact:
- 14,550 young people engaged through 187 events, including STEM workshops and careers sessions.
- Inclusive programmes such as Barnardo’s Young Carers initiative.
- Public art projects like Routes to Roots at Ashton-under-Lyne and the Welbeck mural at Castleford, transforming stations into vibrant community spaces.
Looking Ahead to 2026
TRU is gearing up for one of its most transformative years yet. With major upgrades accelerating along the 70-mile route, three more stations nearing completion, and biodiversity delivery starting on the ground, the benefits for passengers and communities will continue to grow.
Image credit: Transpennine Route Upgrade
