Rail plans a welcome North boost

Feb 17 2010 By Andrew Hebden, The Journal

IT might not seem like a lot to a Barclays investment banker, but £530m can go a long way if it’s spent wisely. Which is exactly what seems to be the rationale for the blueprint unveiled yesterday for improving rail services across the North.

Much has been written in these pages over the last 12 months or so about the importance of High Speed Rail, and why it is essential that the North East is plugged in to this new network of super-fast trains.

But, in reality, that project remains years from coming to fruition, and we can’t afford to wait that long to see some significant improvements to our transport network.

In this respect, last month’s publication of changes to the timetable, which will cut journey times from the North East to London, were a welcome step.

And the plans for the North announced by Network Rail yesterday fall into the same category – relatively small-scale changes that could make a real difference to travellers.

While many of the improvements will centre on Manchester, the benefits should be felt across the North. And anyone who has endured a train journey from the North East to Manchester or Liverpool will agree that it is about time that something was done to make journey times across the Pennines shorter.

Improving the connectivity between northern cities is essential for developing the economic wellbeing of the whole of the North. For, while we are all passionate about seeing our own region thrive and prosper, there is no doubt that businesses, in particular, rely on good transport links not just to the North and South but to the West as well.

While yesterday’s announcement may not come with the huge investment attached to the London Crossrail project, it could deliver the same sorts of benefits if done well.

There is no doubt that regional rail services are in desperate need of investment, as those who regularly travel on local trains will be only too well aware. Tackling over-crowding, improving rolling stock and even ensuring basics, such as passenger information screens at some small stations is long overdue.

Yesterday’s plans appear to be a small step in the right direction.

Andrew Hebden is head of business at ncjMedia