Transport for the North (TfN), the body responsible for producing a cohesive transport investment strategy for the North of England, has released its Spring 2017 Update Report. It follows an announcement that TfN is on track to gain statutory status as England’s first Sub-national Transport Body by the end of this year.
The report provides detail on the progress made by TfN as it continues to develop a “single voice for the North” by “transforming transport infrastructure and helping to grow the economy.”
It also maps the timeline for the development of a Strategic Transport Plan for the North, which is due to be published later this year.
John Cridland, Chair of Transport for the North said, “I am delighted to launch our Spring 2017 Update outlining a year of progress. The report outlines the achievements and ambitions of TfN and its Partners as well as providing a glimpse at an exciting year ahead.
“The backbone of our work over the last 12 months and going forward is the Northern Powerhouse Independent Economic Review – a fundamental look at the capabilities which, if supported by the right investment, can provide the foundations for closing the North/South productivity gap, generating new jobs and enhancing the North’s global competitiveness.
“The Review identified that the North’s potential could offer almost £100 billion in real terms of economic benefit to the UK and up to 850,000 new jobs.
“This case for transformational investment has been strengthened following the publication of the Government’s Industrial Strategy Green Paper which sets out ideas to bolster the region’s productivity in line with its specific strengths.
David Brown, Chief Executive of Transport for the North said, “We have a clear focus for the year ahead to build on our progress as we become England’s first ever Sub-national Transport Body, paving the way for other regions to follow.
“This will mean we become a formal, legal entity and a statutory partner of the Government able to speak with one voice on behalf of the North about the transport priorities which can transform the region’s economy for the long term.”
Transport for the North will publish its draft Strategic Transport Plan for public engagement in Autumn 2017.
