TfN plans to be first sub-national transport body get a thumbs up

Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling has given a thumbs up to  proposals for Transport for the North  to become England’s first sub-national transport body.

As part of the proposal, Transport for the North had to demonstrate that, in becoming a statutory body, the new arrangements will deliver better outcomes for passengers and transport users across the North.

The organisation’s plans, which it says will transform the North’s transport infrastructure, boost the region’s economy and create up to 850,000 jobs by 2050, were given a favourable formal response.

TfN says it will work with the Department for Transport to ensure that the North’s transport priorities are clearly understood by Government and work throug the final stages, with formal statutory status expected to be granted before the end of 2017.

David Brown, chief executive of Transport for the North, said: “Until now we have largely been working behind the scenes, gathering evidence and working with our partners to identify what needs to be done to create a plan for the North capable of delivering transformational change. Becoming a statutory partner will allow us to ensure the priorities we identify are formally considered by the Government.”

John Cridland, chair of Transport for the North, said: “There is a clear desire from across the country to see the North get the kind of infrastructure needed to deliver transformational economic growth that would improve the lives of all who live and work in the region.”

Chris Grayling, secretary of state for transport, said: “This is another important step forward for Transport for the North and will help the region to speak with one voice on its transport priorities.The Government is committed to working together with our public and private sector partners in the North to embrace the ongoing opportunities to deliver the Northern Powerhouse.”

Transport for the North is a partnership, bringing together local and combined authorities and business leaders from across the North with central Government.