Are rail plans in the north of England finally on the right track?

Public transport in the UK can sometimes leave a bit to be desired but the government has just unveiled major rail plans aimed at unlocking billions of pounds in economic growth across the north-west England.

The plans include a brand-new rail line linking Liverpool and Manchester via Manchester Airport.

The proposals, part of the Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) program outline a new high-capacity route between Liverpool and Manchester, new stations at Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly and Warrington Bank Quay Low Level, and faster, more reliable rail connections across northern England.

Great news for football fans and rugby league aficionados.

Officials say the investment is central to a broader strategy to raise productivity and living standards in the north, news hub Travel Mole reports.

Bringing the productivity of the region’s five largest cities up to the national average could add as much as £40 billion ($80 billion) a year to the UK economy, government estimates say.

But don't get too excited.

The Liverpool–Manchester line will form the backbone of NPR’s second phase, with construction expected to begin in the 2030s.

Earlier phases focus on upgrades between Leeds, Bradford, York and Sheffield, while a third phase will target faster connections between Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield and Bradford.

Alongside the new line, the government is considering improvements at Liverpool Lime Street and Liverpool Central stations, as well as options for a major city-center regeneration project in partnership with the Liverpool City Region.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the plans mark a turning point after decades of underinvestment.

“For too long, the north has been held back by delay and indecision,” Alexander said. 

“This new era of investment will reignite growth across Liverpool and Manchester, strengthen Manchester Airport as the gateway to the north, and create new jobs and homes that will make a real difference to people’s lives.”

Image: Manchester Airport railway station