North West business leaders call on Transport Secretary for more rapid investment

In the wake of the multi-million pound revamp of Manchester Victoria station, business leaders from across the North West have presented MP Patrick McLoughlin, the Secretary of State for Transport, with an update report calling for further investment in the region’s transport infrastructure.

Put together by the North West Business Leadership Team (NWBLT), the document urges the government and private sector to invest further in both the short and long term, building on the North West on the Move report from 2013 that analysed the Northern Powerhouse proposals and their implications for the North West.

Between now and 2020, the NWBLT is calling for smart electronic passenger ticketing to be introduced across the North, as well as planning to commence on the TransNorth west-east rail link.

The updated report has claimed that unless progress picks up on the North West’s transport infrastructure, in economic terms the region will start to struggle both nationally and internationally.

NWBLT’s deputy chair Mike Blackburn, said: “We have been working closely with the Department for Transport throughout the last couple of years and will continue to call for a long term approach to investment in our transport infrastructure.

“We also warmly welcome the creation of the National Infrastructure Commission and look forward to contributing to its vital work in identifying and driving forward the North West’s key transport priorities.”

Responding to the fresh call for speedier investment, MP Patrick McLoughlin welcomed the dialogue he has so far had with the region’s business leaders.

He said he shares: “their desire to see the North of England enjoy the benefits of modern transport infrastructure at as early a date as possible.

“The government is determined to drive forward the investments we have announced for this Parliament so that we can all start to see the Northern Powerhouse becoming a reality.”