TfN welcomes Act

Transport for the North (TfN) has welcomed the passage of the Cities and Local Government Devolution Act following the announcement of royal assent. TfN views this as a ‘significant step forward’ in its plans to deliver improved connections for businesses and commuters across the north. The Act paves the way for a new statutory basis for the organisation, which it says will enable the north of England to draw down powers and resources from central government to deliver improvements to transport across the Northern Powerhouse region. TfN will now come forward with specific proposals for the powers it needs.

Transport Minister, Andrew Jones, said, ‘Our changes, plus the £50m we are giving TfN up to 2020, underlines the government’s commitment to building a Northern Powerhouse. This is a major step forward in making TfN a statutory body, giving local people a say in transport for their area. Giving TfN a legal basis will ensure it has impact, influence, and the certainty to plan and drive forward projects like Northern Powerhouse Rail (HS3) and the roll out of smart ticketing in the north.’