Transport blueprint announced to link England's northern cities

A 125-billion-U.S.-dollar program to revolutionise transport systems across the North of England were unveiled Friday.

It will mean a new TransNorth rail system being created, along with major road improvements and improved links to major airports.

The plan represents the biggest ever transport undertaking in northern England.

The plan, unveiled by Chancellor George Osborne and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin, will create the first ever comprehensive transport strategy for the region, covering roads, rail, freight, airports and smart ticketing.

The strategy is aimed to connect up the north, creating a single economy and allow northern towns and cities to pool their strengths. Plans set out in the report include: slashing journey times between major northern cities with investment in high speed rail, developing new east-west road connections including a road tunnel under the mountainous Peak District, introducing London-style Oyster-style smart travel cards and simpler fares across the north.

The blueprint is part of a government initiative to create a 'Northern Powerhouse' to ease pressure on the overcrowded London and South East region.

Osborne said Friday: "Connecting up the great cities of the north is at the heart of our plan to build a northern powerhouse. This report has the potential to revolutionise transport in the north and we will work closely with Transport for the North (TfN) to help make it a reality."

Clegg commented: "Modernising rail in the north of England and speeding up connections between cities will encourage business, boost tourism and give commuters the transport network they deserve."

McLoughlin said no government has ever given such attention to the infrastructure of England's great northern cities and how to deliver a world-class, integrated transport network for the north.

Sir Richard Leese, chair of the TfN Partnership Board, and leader of Manchester City Council, said: "Today marks the culmination of a huge amount of hard work to bring together a range of far-reaching transport plans which together will transform connectivity across the north of England, improving the passenger experience, boosting business and ultimately helping to re-balance the UK economy.

"We must ensure TfN delivers a north which has a vibrant and growing economy, acts as a magnet for inward investment, and which capitalises on the strengths of our great northern cities."

The new 'TransNorth' rail network, with trains capable of speeds of up to 225 kilometers per hour, will link Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, Newcastle and Hull. It would reduce by almost half journey time, with services between Manchester and Liverpool taking just 20 minutes, and the longer journey from Manchester to Leeds taking 30 minutes. Endit