Politicians from the northern regions of England assembled in Bradford [10 June] to head and discuss UK government plans for rail reform.
Collectively, they met to draw up a blueprint for how rail services in the region can be improved and an accessible, reliable and modern railway system put in place.
This included how to align the railway to local priorities, such as housing, and to simplify ticketing.
The meeting came as UK chancellor of the exchequer Rachel Reeves delivered her Comprehensive Spending Review speech which promised billions in regional transport funding.
READ MORE: IPPR reports £140bn hole in northern England transport spending since 2009
Hundreds of new trains are to be bought for the North’s rail network to update the aging fleets currently being used.
Northern Rail is to buy 450 trains, which will replace two thirds of its existing fleet over the next ten years, while TransPennine will buy a further 29.
RNC chairman mayor Andy Burnham said: “This shows that we are serious about taking greater control over our own rail services.
“For too long decisions have been taken about services and investment by people who don’t live in the North and don’t use its transport system.
“Devolution is about correcting that and making sure that Northerners are at the heart of crucial decision making.”
Achievements in public transport planning will be recognised and celebrated at the fourth annual CiTTi Awards on 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector!
