£600m worth of government investment in Northern rail services has been set out by the Department for Transport.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps confirmed the funding for rail networks in the North at the launch of a new Northern Transport Acceleration Council.
The new government funding includes a £589m to kickstart work on the Transpennine main line between Leeds, Huddersfield and Manchester.
It also follows the announcement of a £20 million investment in infrastructure renewals on the Tyne and Wear Metro.
James Forrester, managing director for StripeHomes, said: “The north east is regularly ignored by government when it comes to investment so this £600 million investment for transport is a welcomed start.
“Connectivity across the country is vital and investment in railways will support the government’s aim to reduce carbon emissions.
“Whilst working from home is the trend word at the moment as we start to come out of Covid-19 we’ll start to see a blend between work, live and play.”
Transport Secretary and Northern Powerhouse Minister Grant Shapps commented: “People across the North rightly expect action, progress and ambition, and this government is determined to accelerate improvements as we invest billions to level up the region’s infrastructure.
“We are determined to build back better at pace, and this new council will allow us to engage collectively and directly with elected northern leaders to build the vital projects the region is crying out for.”
