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

easyJet unveils new cheap flight options from the UK to Europe

One of the thrilling surprises for Australians visiting the UK is the ready availability of flights to exotic destinations for the cost a rail trip back home. 

There may be all sorts of restrictions; the extras can pile up and some of the flights leave from secondary airports. But there are some real bargains to be had if you have a sense of adventure. 

EasyJet - one of the leading budget airlines - has just unveiled two new routes for summer 2026 from the UK to Germany and Italy. 

Seats now on sale to Naples from Liverpool John Lennon Airport and to Munich from London Southend. 

The Naples flights will operate on Mondays and Fridays from August 3, while easyJet’s new flight to Munich will start on September 17, operating twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays and starting ahead of Oktoberfest. 

EasyJet holidays has also launched packages to both cities with flights and accommodation included. 

“We are really pleased to be launching even more new routes and package holidays," said  Kevin Doyle, easyJet UK country manager. 

"By continuing to grow our network, we are providing even greater choice and connectivity from across the UK.” 

As of today, easyJet serves 22 UK airports, offering more than 640 routes to 140 destinations from the UK to Europe and beyond. 

The airline also recently announced new routes from across eight UK airports including new connections to Italy, Spain, France, Greece, Portugal, Cyprus, the Canary Islands, Egypt and Malta. 

Worth checking out. Just don't expect any frills.