Thousands of passengers are now one step closer to faster, more frequent and reliable trains across the North, as the electrification of the Church Fenton to York rail line is completed, part of the £11 billion government-funded Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU).
Faster trains will cut journey times between York and Leeds by 10 minutes and Manchester and Leeds from 50 minutes to 42 minutes, with up to 6 fast services an hour – making it easier for people to get to work, do business and travel across the region, News Cover reports, citing UK government.
These upgrades will bring passengers faster trains, whilst a new signalling system and bridge upgrades will make trains more reliable and allow more services to run.
Extensive station improvements along the route will also improve accessibility and facilities at the busiest stations across the North.
During a visit to the region to see completed and ongoing work, the Secretary of State, Heidi Alexander, became one of the first people to enjoy the new electrified line, travelling from Leeds to York.
This upgrade is set to create over 5,000 jobs, support the development of 6,500 new homes and unlock commercial space across the North – driving economic growth as part of the Plan for Change.
It comes as part of wider efforts across government to invest in the vital infrastructure the country needs to rebuild Britain and unlock growth across every region.
