Mayor of the North East Kim McGuinness has set out an ambitious long-term vision to transform rail travel across the region, placing greater local control at the heart of plans to improve services, reduce fares and modernise stations.
The Mayor has made rail devolution a key pillar of her transport strategy, arguing that bringing more decision-making powers closer to communities will help deliver the improvements passengers have been demanding for years.
The proposals form part of a wider ambition to create a world-class integrated transport system for the North East, alongside major projects including the restoration of the Leamside Line, the Metro extension to Washington and the development of new rail connections across County Durham.
Speaking about the plans, Mayor Kim said:
“Devolution is our chance to finally transform how the rail system is run and to make it far more affordable for local people. I have been clear I want to see more powers given to regions so the needs of local people are at the heart of every decision – that's how it should be, and that’s what I'm fighting for. Devolution of rail powers such as more control over our local stations will allow us to take quicker action to improve stations and trains, delivering improvements everyone can see when they travel. We know now is the time to act – with the Prime Minister championing further devolution for our regions and the formation of the new rail body Great British Railways.
“We need to be at the forefront of this, setting out what we want for rail – reversing decades of under investment and failures to deliver the transformation that people expect to see. I know what’s needed and it is a big task, people tell me too often that things will ‘never happen’ when it comes to our rail plans but I'll prove them wrong – I will deliver change for the people of the North East.
“Getting a train should be affordable, accessible and safe, with a good choice of routes, frequent services and simple fares. Smart, integrated tickets should make travel easy and guarantee you get the cheapest price available – other parts of the country have this already so it’s time the North East does too – our Rail Vision is just the start.”
The North East Rail Vision, which is due to be discussed by the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority Cabinet, sets out a roadmap to 2040 centred on five priorities:
- Affordable and simple fares
- Fully integrated local rail services within the Angel Network transport system
- More frequent and reliable services
- Modern, accessible stations
- Improved safety across the rail network
The strategy includes a number of significant infrastructure and service improvements designed to support economic growth, improve connectivity and encourage greater use of public transport.
Among the headline proposals are:
- Expansion of the Mayor’s Fares scheme across local rail services to reduce travel costs.
- Delivery of the long-awaited Metro to Washington project, including three new stations.
- Reopening the Leamside Line to accommodate Northern Powerhouse Rail services and free up capacity on the East Coast Main Line.
- Extension of local rail networks, including ambitions to expand the Northumberland Line to Newbiggin-by-the-Sea.
- Creation of a dedicated Rail Development Fund to accelerate future rail projects.
- Increased devolved powers over rail services and stations.
- Deployment of more electric and battery-powered trains.
- Integrated smart ticketing across rail, Metro and bus networks.
- New initiatives to improve safety for women and girls and enhance accessibility.
- Additional passenger capacity on the Northumberland Line.
- Growth in rail freight and stronger national rail connectivity.
- Station upgrades at Sunderland, Newcastle Central and Metrocentre.
Alongside the publication of the Rail Vision, the Mayor has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding with rail industry partners at Sunderland Station.
The agreement commits the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority and rail operators to working collaboratively to deliver the vision, improve passenger experiences and drive investment into the region's rail infrastructure.
The move signals a stronger partnership approach as the region seeks to secure greater influence over how rail services are planned, funded and delivered.
With the Government continuing to pursue devolution and the creation of Great British Railways, North East leaders believe the region has a significant opportunity to shape its transport future and deliver a rail network that better meets the needs of communities, businesses and visitors.
Image credit: iStock
