Northern leaders set out Business Plan for transport’s role Covid-19 recovery

The North’s civic and business leaders have set out their plans to support post-Covid recovery in the region through transport infrastructure investment.

Transport for the North’s 2021/22 Business Plan highlights the essential role of transport in levelling up and building back better and greener after the pandemic. Members of TfN, including local political leaders from across Northern England, have agreed the plan which outlines how strategic investment in infrastructure will support economic recovery in the region in the coming months.

Tim Wood, Acting Chief Executive at Transport for the North, said:

The past 12 months have been incredibly challenging, with the Covid-19 pandemic highlighting the importance of our transport network and the urgent need to invest in it.

“As we look to the year ahead and beyond, our transport needs will continue to change, but one thing remains – we must have continued investment in road, rail, and active and smart travel schemes to support the people and businesses of the North in achieving their ambitions.

“This is a bold and ambitious plan that will drive forward our shared mission and lay the foundations for a transport network that meets our region’s needs for generations to come.

“In the next 12 months we will be pushing ahead at pace with our vital work, including the Strategic Outline Case for Northern Powerhouse Rail, our decarbonisation and freight strategies, and further analysis on the benefits of our Investment Programme.

“Now is not the time to scale back support for our region, and we look forward to working with our leaders and Government to realise our vison for the North of England – where modern transport connections drive sustainable economic growth and support an excellent quality of life.”

Further investment into public transport networks was also included as a priority for the national government in the Queen’s Speech on 11th May as a means to ‘level up’ communities across England. Tim Wood welcomed the commitment from government, adding:

Today’s Queen’s Speech opened with a statement on levelling-up and the need to transform connectivity by rail and bus as part of the agenda. That this is high on the list of priorities is welcome news and must now be met with action as we focus on rebalancing our economy and improving transport links.

“We now need to see commitment to these aims in the upcoming Integrated Rail Plan, including backing the full HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail networks. Alongside a sustained pipeline of investment in our roads and active travel provision, this will support the cross-cutting themes of economic recovery and growth out of the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as increasing skills and opportunities for the North’s communities.”

TfN’s full 2021/22 Business Plan is available to download from the organisation’s website.