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 today (Tuesday 5 August), part of the £11 billion Government-funded Transpennine Route Upgrade. This includes journey times between Manchester and Yorkshire cities including Leeds getting significantly faster.
Faster trains will cut journey times between York and Leeds by ten minutes and Manchester and Leeds from 50 to 42 minutes, with up to six fast services an hour— making it easier for people to get to work, do business and travel across the region.
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.
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: “Today is a moment of celebration for a project that will transform train travel for millions of passengers across the North. More reliable, efficient trains are now running on 25% of the full Transpennine route.
“We are delivering on our Plan for Change by upgrading rail links across the North – slashing journey times between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York.”
Today’s upgrade will enable electric TransPennine Express (TPE) trains to run from Manchester Victoria to Stalybridge and Church Fenton to York – electrifying both ends of the route.