£317m investment confirmed for stations and key cross country rail route

A major railways funding package has been confirmed by the Government.

Ministers have released details of the £317m investment in the York-Leeds-Manchester Transpennine rail route, with funds also being allocated for the new White Rose and Thorpe Park stations in Leeds.

The bulk of the new funding into the Transpennine route upgrade will be used to improve connectivity between Leeds, Manchester and York, and deliver electrification and upgrades between York and Church Fenton.

Transport Minister Andrew Stephenson said: “Additional investment into the Transpennine Route Upgrade will cut delays and create a more punctual network, with electrification helping deliver greener journeys on this key route.

“Only by investing in, modernising and expanding our railways can we provide passengers with the reliable and resilient services they expect, and create a transport network that is fit for the future.”

The news has been welcomed by Leeds City Council.

Council leader Councillor James Lewis said: “It’s good to see our long-standing calls for greater investment in the rail network in and around Leeds are being taken on board.

Councillor James Lewis

“The White Rose and Thorpe Park stations will make a big difference to the lives of people in the city by delivering enhanced links to these two areas of employment growth.

“They will also play a part in our efforts to tackle the climate emergency by helping take cars off the road, which will in turn improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions.

“The Transpennine route upgrade, meanwhile, will mean better transport connections between Leeds and other great cities of the North, something that will be more vital than ever as our region strives to build back stronger after the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s important to note, however, that this is just one piece of the jigsaw.

“We also urgently need clarity on plans for the eastern leg of HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail with a stop in Bradford, all of which would complement the work on the Transpennine route and help to further unlock the massive potential of communities across Leeds and beyond.”

Beckie Hart, CBI Yorkshire & the Humber Director, said: “This further investment of £317m for the Transpennine Route Upgrade and funding for new stations at Thorpe Park and White Rose in Leeds is a vote of confidence in our region that will be welcomed by businesses of all sizes.

“Investments like this will reassure hard-pressed firms across the North that there is substance behind the Government’s plan to level-up the country by improving connectivity and providing better, low emissions alternatives to car travel.”

Paul Hirst, head of the Transport Sector Group at Addleshaw Goddard and chair of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership Transport Committee, said: “As a major employer in both Leeds and Manchester, we certainly welcome the commitments to fund much-needed improvements to the Transpennine rail network and investment in new stations better serving existing passengers and encouraging more people to travel by rail.

“As we emerge from lockdown, it’s clear we need to ensure people are encouraged back to using sustainable transport modes wherever possible.