Northern rail improvements receive £130m

Date: 22/3/2012

Some £130 million of funding has been allocated to improving rail networks in the north of England.

The money will be used to boost capacity and increase speeds on the Sheffield-Manchester line, as well as make routes between Manchester and Bradford and Manchester and Preston quicker.

Network Rail said the investment shows how the Northern Hub initiative has the potential to drive economic growth, as well as make journeys easier for passengers.

Up to 700 train services are set to run between cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield, Leeds and Newcastle every day.

Furthermore, between 20,000 and 30,000 job opportunities will be created, while there will be a return of £4 for every £1 invested in the initiative.

Network Rail recently stated Britain's train network should support economic growth in the country, as well as being a sustainable and efficient way of making life easier for those who use it.

Posted by Mary Treen