“We should be reaping the benefits of electrification now, not in 10 years’ time”

20 July 2022

Responding to the release today (20 July 2022) by the National Audit Office into the Transpennine Route Upgrade Programme, Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:

“The National Audit Office report highlights what we already know – there is a clear case for Transpennine route electrification, and we should already be reaping the benefits.

“This scheme will have a huge impact on the lives of people living, working or doing business in the North of England. The constant changes to the plans mean it’s taken over 10 years for any meaningful work to start on upgrading this vital route, while £190m - which could have been used to improve stations or trains - has been wasted on plans that were scrapped.

“I look forward to working with rail industry partners to maximise the benefits of the scheme, and will continue holding the government to account to ensure the plans are delivered to limit disruption to our communities, improve local stopping services and make all stations accessible on this important route."