Transport chiefs have visited Yorkshire in order to take the first step to transform the north into a ‘powerhouse’ by establishing better rail connections. 

Transport for the North’s inaugural meeting was held in Leeds and marked the first step of drawing up a comprehensive transport strategy for the north alongside the government. 

It is hoped these plans will help to optimise the region’s growth potential, transform the north’s economic infrastructure and rebalance the national economy. 

Patrick McLoughlin, transport secretary, commented: “Rebalancing the economy and creating a northern powerhouse of jobs, investment, prosperity and bright futures, is a key objective of the government’s long term economic plan.

“It is crucial we work together to deliver a world-class, integrated transport network for the north that reduces journey times, increases capacity and connectivity and enables growth.”

Transport for the North will look at east-west rail links, as well as roads, ports, airports, and even broadband, in the region.

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, who chaired the meeting, commented that the scheme is regarding how the north’s capabilities can be boosted in order for the region to “properly fulfil its potential for UK plc”. 

“Economic growth doesn’t happen by accident, it happens by design and having the right integrated infrastructure in place is vital for us to generate that growth,” he said.

Sir Leese noted that Transport for the North will now draw up a bold delivery programme to bring this vision to life over the next 15 years. 

Transport for the North was set up by the government in October 2014. It marks a new alliance of the north’s main authorities and agencies, and is led by the city regions that made up One North: Greater Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield and Newcastle, along with Hull and the Humber. 

These regions are working alongside other northern authorities, as well as the Department for Transport, Highways Agency, Network Rail, and HS2 Ltd. It will produce a joint interim report in March.