New funding boost for Transpennine route upgrade

The Prime Minister today announced the latest tranche of funding for the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU).

This additional investment of £415m will enable further progress on the multi-billion-pound programme, ensuring the delivery of faster, more frequent, and greener rail services between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds, and York.

Beyond the transport improvements, TRU is unlocking significant social and economic benefits for the region. Thousands of jobs and hundreds of apprenticeships are being created, local businesses are benefiting from supply chain opportunities and the shift towards greener transport will reduce carbon emissions by up to 87,000 tonnes each year.

James Richardson, Managing Director for Transpennine Route Upgrade, said:

“The government’s continued support for TRU is a clear vote of confidence in the work we are doing, which is an enabler to releasing the economic potential of the North. This funding supports our onward journey to be truly transformational, delivering faster, more reliable rail services that connect people to jobs, education, and leisure opportunities.

“By improving connectivity and increasing capacity, we are not only enhancing journeys for customers but also helping to drive up investment supporting more housing and more jobs and boosting productivity across the region.”

The TRU programme is delivering:

• More frequent services – up to six fast trains per hour between Leeds and Manchester, plus improved local stopping services.
• Faster journeys – Manchester to York in as little as 63 minutes, and Manchester to Leeds in 41 minutes.
• Greener travel – full route electrification, reducing reliance on diesel and supporting Net Zero ambitions.
• Improved stations – enhancements at key stations will provide a better travel experience and increased accessibility for all passengers.
• More freight capacity – enabling up to 15 extra freight trains per day, removing over 1,000 lorries from the roads.

With this latest announcement, it takes the programme to £7.3bn of approved funding and moves TRU even closer to delivering a modern, high-performing railway, that better connects communities across the North. By enhancing capacity, reliability and sustainability, the programme is improving journeys for passengers, and strengthening the region’s economic future.

As work progresses, this transformative Transpennine Route Upgrade will play a vital role in unlocking new opportunities, supporting local businesses and helping create a more prosperous and better-connected North for generations to come.