The government has announced that it will be making significant funding available for the UK’s railway services, with £401 million set aside to make journeys faster, greener and more convenient, as well as improving freight links and introducing new electric trains.

The Transpennine route upgrade will see an investment of £317 million, with the aim being to improve connectivity, reliability and punctuality for services between York, Leeds and Manchester. In addition, £69 million will go on improvements to increase freight capacity between the Midlands and the Port of Southampton.

And the first phase of the £1.5 billion Midland main line upgrade has already been completed, successfully delivering the launch of the first electric services for East Midlands railway.

The fleet has cut carbon emissions by 77 per cent between Corby and London St Pancras, while running on a just-finished track between Kettering and Corby, with passengers enjoying extra seats and additional late night and early morning services.

And £15 million will be used to build new stations at Marsh Barton in Exeter, and Thorpe Park and White Rose in Leeds, supporting retail growth, connecting communities, supporting greener travel choices and improving access to employment and leisure.

Rail minister Chris Heaton-Harris said: “The scale of today’s investment demonstrates our commitment to delivering more punctual, greener and comfortable services right across the country.

“From the vital Transpennine and Midland Main Line upgrades, new stations giving communities in Yorkshire and the south-west rail connections for the first time, and a shot in the arm for freight operators, we’re building a brighter future for the railways.”

Transport minister Andrew Stephenson is also set to visit major works being carried out throughout Yorkshire along the Transpennine route to view electrification works that play an important part in the plans for achieving net zero by 2050.

A new public body – Great British Railways – has also just been announced, integrating railways and delivering passenger-focused travel, with reliable services and simpler, modern fares at the heart of its operations.

GBR will own the infrastructure, run and plan the network, collect fare revenue and set the majority of fares and timetables, providing new flexible season tickets and the introduction of a more convenient Pay As You Go contactless system on smartphones.

It is hoped that significant efficiencies will be delivered in the railways’ costs, reducing duplication and complexity, changing working practices and making it easier and cheaper to invest.

The government is now working closely with the sector to encourage people back to making rail journeys following the pandemic, including a new national flexi season ticket, which will be on sale this summer, potentially helping commuters save hundreds of pounds.

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