Government is asking rail passengers in the north of England what improvements should be made to services using £1Bn committed to investment in the northern network.

With focus on the new Northern and TransPennine (TPE) rail franchises, set to be awarded by February 2016, the consultation launched this week aims to gather evidence on how to best make use of the five year investment programme.

This includes looking at how to deliver a more efficient network that drives forward the economy, makes best use of capacity improvements, and provides faster and more frequent services across the region.

Rail Minister Stephen Hammond said: “To make sure we make the most of this investment and deliver a railway that is truly world class and boosts our economy it is vital that we hear the views of the people who use these services.”

Rail travel in the north has seen significant growth in the past decade, with demand growing by 66% between 2002 and 2012. To meet the demand, Network Rail has planned extensive electrification and upgrades including the £600M Northern Hub project, North West Electrification and TransPennine Electrification project.

These works will facilitate up to 700 extra trains every day and 44 million additional passengers a year.

West Yorkshire Combined Authority chair Peter Box said: “Transport is a key element in improving the economic prospects of the north and it's vital that the local rail network is fit for purpose, connecting areas of economic disadvantage with areas of economic opportunity."

The consultation will run until 18 August 2014.

(Photo: Network Rail)

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