TfN publishes ambitious plan for North’s transport infrastructure

Transport for the North has published an ambitious plan for sustainable and inclusive economic growth in the region, enabled by transformational connectivity. 

The new Strategic Transport Plan (STP) was approved recenlty at TfN’s board meeting in Leeds by northern leaders. 

It outlines how, with the right investment and policy levers, together with transformational transport infrastructure, the northern economy would be £118bn larger by 2050.  

The blueprint, which builds on the first plan published five years ago, sets out the case to transform the North’s transport infrastructure and services, demonstrating how better connectivity can enable economic growth, decarbonise the transport system and create more opportunities for all. 

TfN says the first STP enabled a step change in government funding for rail, by setting out the case for Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR).  

The new plan is focused on the outcomes needed for people and places, seeking to better connect communities and businesses with services and opportunities. 

It sets out robust monitoring and evaluation to measure progress year-on-year, making sure the plan is on track.  

Ambitions of the new STP are:

• Near zero emissions from surface transport in the region by 2045.
• Support efforts to reduce car dependency and create the capacity required to grow patronage on public transport networks.
• Recognise the scale of change required in accessibility needed to unlock opportunity and reduce social exclusion by one million people by 2050.
• Put in place a long-term ambition to treble the share of freight carried by rail.

Lord McLoughlin, chair of Transport for the North, said:  “Our Strategic Transport Plan sets out Transport for the North’s statutory advice to government on how the North, speaking with one voice, can reach a sustainable, socially inclusive transport network for the future, support growth and employment opportunities.   

“The STP will lay the foundations for the transport infrastructure investment for the North for decades to come.

"We will provide further advice to government on how the plan can be implemented, from the pan-regional investment pipeline required, to efficiencies in how transport infrastructure and services are delivered.

"The evidence in this STP shows how with sustained investment, the right policy levers and enabling behaviour change, we can truly transform the North.” 

Click here to read the revised Strategic Transport Plan.