Transport for the North letter to Grant Shapps calls for delivery of Northern Powerhouse Rail and other key priorities

That was the message delivered today by political and business leaders in a letter to Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.

It sets out 13 key priorities which include changing ticketing on public transport, launching low carbon pilot schemes, and accelerating Northern Powerhouse Rail.

The letter from Transport for the North (TfN) highlights the need for commitment to “quick win” road and rail schemes that could begin this year, plus sustained investment in active travel and other initiatives.

These projects will make up an Economic Recovery Plan for the region, centred on principles agreed by the North’s leaders including the need to reflect the challenges of Covid-19 and accelerate schemes that will help to create jobs.

Transport for the North’s plan builds on its existing Strategic Transport Plan and Northern Infrastructure Pipeline – a 30-year blueprint for investment in infrastructure to transform the region’s economy.

Its chief executive, Barry White, said: “We’ve always said the North cannot wait at the back of the queue and that we need a clear and committed pipeline of initiatives to reverse decades of under-investment.

“Our Economic Recovery Plan puts forward tangible ways in which the Government can show commitment to that levelling-up agenda.”

Following the initial bid to Mr Shapps, the plan will be considered by TfN’s board of political and business leaders on July 29.

The Yorkshire Evening Post has previously written to the Transport Secretary to set out its own priorities for Leeds as part of the Unlock the Gridlock campaign.

Giving an initial response to the letter, a Department for Transport spokeswoman said: "We’ve been absolutely clear that a resurgent, revitalised North is a fundamental part of this country’s recovery from Covid-19.

“We continue to work closely with northern leaders to accelerate the delivery of vital projects, boost job opportunities and ensure transport networks are fit for passengers across the North as quickly as possible.”

Also in news: Boost for YEP's Unlock the Gridlock campaign as Transport Secretary offers "24/7 commitment"

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