Mayor welcomes landmark rail investment

David Skaith, the mayor of York and North Yorkshire, has welcomed a landmark investment aimed at transforming rail travel across the North and improving connections through York.

During a visit to York, Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander signed the Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) compact, committing the Government to £1.1 billion to accelerate design and planning work within a wider £45 billion funding framework.

Mayor Skaith said the funding would support upgrades at York station as part of the Northern Powerhouse Rail programme, unlocking faster, more reliable and more frequent services across the region. 

He added that the investment is expected to deliver turn-up-and-go rail services, improving links between York, Leeds, Sheffield, Bradford, Manchester and Liverpool.

The first phase of the programme will focus on enhancing connections between Leeds and York, with onward routes to Sheffield and Bradford.

Mayor Skaith said: “This is a huge moment for York, putting us at the heart of a once in a generation investment in the North.   

“Today’s commitment set’s us on the path to faster trains for people to get to work and training, visit family, or enjoy a day out and marks a vote of confidence in York and North Yorkshire's place in growing the economy for the North and the whole UK.

“My focus now is on making sure we make the most of this opportunity for communities across whole of our region, so people from Skipton to the Scarborough, Harrogate to Hawes can share in the benefits from Northern Powerhouse Rail.”

The announcement follows confirmation from Chancellor Rachel Reeves that the Government will back NPR. 

It also builds on joint work by mayor Skaith alongside South Yorkshire mayor Oliver Coppard, West Yorkshire mayor Tracy Brabin and Lord Blunkett, who earlier this year set out the White Rose Plan for Rail to address decades of underinvestment in Yorkshire’s transport infrastructure.

Ms Alexander added: “Today, I’ve strengthened this Government’s clear and unwavering commitment to Northern Powerhouse Rail by signing an agreement with Mayor Skaith on the next steps for transforming connectivity in York and North Yorkshire.    

“NPR will deliver a true turn-up-and-go railway for passengers going between York and cities across the North. 

“Building on the Transpennine Route Upgrade and including a regeneration of York Central Station, we will unlock more reliable, and frequent services, support thousands of new homes and strengthen York’s role as a key national rail hub. 

“By providing early clarity on scope, funding and phasing, we’re ensuring York can and harness the full benefits for its people.    

“Together, we are getting on with the job to deliver the modern transport network the North has deserved for so long.”    

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