Infrastructure - Rail
Rail investment in the North of England must be based on the need for improved quality and increased capacity for passenger and freight services. The current average age of some of the rolling stock in the North of England is 25 years – 6 years older than the UK average - and the West Coast Main Line is expected to reach capacity before 2020. Investment through schemes such as HS2 and the proposed East - West HS3 must help to re-energise the UK’s rail engineering and construction industries, creating jobs and supporting skills development and regeneration.
There is a bid from the Northern authorities to devolve decision-making on railways in the North away from the DfT to local control. Whilst the structures are being developed, DfT has agreed to a partnership model to inform the refranchising process which will start soon.
There is a bid from the Northern authorities to devolve decision-making on railways in the North away from the DfT to local control. Whilst the structures are being developed, DfT has agreed to a partnership model to inform the refranchising process which will start soon.
Greater Manchester Chamber calls for:
• A commitment from the next government to deliver both phases of HS2 as quickly and efficiently as possible, driving the parliamentary process and allowing HS2 Ltd to utilise its industry expertise to deliver the project.
• An effective national rolling stock strategy which undertakes timely procurement for replacement of old rolling stock based on compatibility and value for money.
• The development of an integrated transport solution between HS2 and the rail network in the North of England with a focus on East- West connectivity (HS3) and major economic sites such as Manchester Airport.
• A greater local influence through devolution of powers and funding for the rail franchises in the North to ensure that wider economic benefits are included in the business case for any future investment.
• Opportunities for the local supply chain to be made available throughout the delivery of HS2 and other rail investment.
• An effective national rolling stock strategy which undertakes timely procurement for replacement of old rolling stock based on compatibility and value for money.
• The development of an integrated transport solution between HS2 and the rail network in the North of England with a focus on East- West connectivity (HS3) and major economic sites such as Manchester Airport.
• A greater local influence through devolution of powers and funding for the rail franchises in the North to ensure that wider economic benefits are included in the business case for any future investment.
• Opportunities for the local supply chain to be made available throughout the delivery of HS2 and other rail investment.