Network Rail unveil £530 million investment package

Plans include extra  and quicker, more frequent services for north of England.

Network Rail have unveiled a £530 million investment package for better stations and quicker, more frequent services in the north of England.

The Northern Hub study identifies what needs to be done to respond to the significant growth seen in the region and to help drive economic prosperity.

The plans include a 40 per cent increase in trains per day across the region, with 700 extra services, capacity for a further 3.5 million passengers per year and quicker more frequent services for Newcastle, Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield.

The Northern Hub proposes significant investment in rail over the next 10 years. New track would give greater timetable flexibility – allowing fast trains to overtake and run at speed while still providing space on the network for vital local stopping services and freight.

Iain Coucher, chief executive of Network Rail, said: "Through better connections, faster services and improved stations we want to trigger wider growth in the north which in turn will support local jobs and businesses."

"Our ambitious vision includes miles of track, new platforms and electrification to keep driving up passenger demand while keeping freight on the rails – and lorries off of our already congested roads."

Further information:
Network Rail