TUC report sets out plan to boost North East productivity by £2.6bn

A TUC report published today sets out an investment plan for public transport across England and Wales including the North East, to meet net zero targets, create jobs, improve quality of life, and boost the UK economy.

The report, produced for the TUC by Transport for Quality of Life, is designed to meet the UK’s target to cut emissions by 68 per cent by 2030.

The plan would require an average of £9.9bn in annual capital expenditure up to 2035.The additional operating costs for expanded bus, tram and rail services would reach £18.8bn annually by 2030.

Liz Blackshaw, TUC Regional Secretary said: “Everyone knows that we have to cut carbon emissions and that switching to public transport is a big part of how do it.

“Investment in public transport across the North East will help us meet net zero targets and reduce the threat of catastrophic climate change. And it creates thousands of jobs in our region, boosts the economy in every community, and improves everyone’s quality of life.

“Commuters will have faster and cheaper journeys to work. New connections will bring new businesses to places where people need economic opportunities. We will save lives with cleaner air. And we will reduce loneliness and isolation by making everyone better connected, wherever you live.”

In the North East, the report expects job creation of around 3,000 in the bus industry and a further 31,000 in construction/manufacture of bus infrastructure and electric buses. Further jobs would be created in the light rail/tram and rail industries.

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