A commitment in this week’s Budget which is set to see the rail line between York and Church Fenton electrified by next year has been welcomed.
The Budget unveiled by Chancellor Rachel Reeves last Wednesday 30 pledged to deliver electrification as part of the wider Transpennine Route Upgrade between York and Manchester.
York and North Yorkshire Mayor David Skaith said the upgrade was vital to ensuring people could move across the north for work and leisure.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said it would put an end to northern cities being held back by outdated, inefficient and unreliable rail links.
It comes as the chancellor made the commitment to fund the electrification of services between York and Church Fenton as part of wider plans to support economic growth in the north.
Funding for the project was put under review ahead of the Budget, according to reports in the Financial Times.
The £11.5bn project along the 72-mile rail route forms part of a more than £15bn investment into Manchester-Leeds-York rail links.
The announcement in the Budget means the electrification between York and Church Fenton will be completed by next year as part of a rolling programme.
Accessibility upgrades are also set for Ulleskelf Station and further along the route at Cross Gates, Garforth, East Garforth and Micklefield near Leeds.
Labour’s York and North Yorkshire Mayor Mr Skaith said he was pleased to see confirmation of fuding for the project in the Budget.
Labour minister Ms Haigh said she would not let northern cities be held back by poor rail links.
The transport secretary said: “That’s why we are delivering the Transpennine Route Upgrade, which will unlock faster, more reliable, and more frequent journeys for passengers across the north.”