Transforming connectivity in the Northconnecting the people, communities and businesses of the North
3.8 million people within 90 minutes of four or more northern cities
Over 100,000 more jobs in our urban areas
GVA uplift valued at £3.4bn in 2040
Our vision is of a thriving North of England where modern transport connections drive economic growth and support an excellent quality of life.
Bring Manchester Airport within 90 minutes reach for 4.3 million people (with NPR and HS2)
Integrate with HS2, TRU and other rail schemes to maximise benefits for the North
Better connect the North’s ‘prime capabilities’ (advanced manufacturing, energy, health innovation and digital)
Increasing opportunities for both workers and consumers
Reducing disruption and improving capacity across the network
Delivering better freight services and reduced conflict with other traffic
Northern Powerhouse Rail could be delivered over a 20-year period through a combination of new lines, use of planned HS2 infrastructure, and major upgrades to existing routes
Over the last twenty years, Leeds City Region has seen rail passengers rocket. With over 30 million passengers a year, Leeds station is the busiest station in the North of England and the third busiest station in the country outside London.
Leeds City Region’s economy is blossoming, with its thriving tech and financial industries leading the way. It is imperative that the city secures a 21st century rail service it needs to help unlock its full potential.
Tim Wood
Director, Northern Powerhouse Rail
Advanced Manufacturing
Energy
Health Innovation
Digital
Options currently being explored for Leeds City Region include a new railway line between Leeds and Manchester via Bradford, links between the new HS2 mainline and existing lines to provide fast services to Sheffield and Newcastle and major upgrades to existing lines to provide faster trains to Hull.
Northern Powerhouse Rail could deliver a step-change in Leeds connectivity, delivering transformational, clean, economic growth.
With Transport for the North’s preferred network, we expect:
A resilient and reliable network
that will reduce disruption and improve capacity
2.9 million
more people within 90 minutes of Leeds *
77000
more businesses within 90 minutes of Leeds *
* Benefits are based on preliminary assessment and are subject to change.
The North must rise to the occasion. Now is the time to help make a vision for better rail a reality.
Connecting and growing the economy of the North of England.