The multi-billion-pound railway programme will deliver major upgrades on the 70-mile route between Manchester and York days the Government, transforming journeys across the North, better connecting towns and cities through more frequent, faster, greener trains, running on a better, cleaner and more reliable railway.
As well as delivering benefits for passengers, the programme’s new sustainability strategy titled ‘Our Guiding Compass’ outlines its commitments to delivering environmental benefits, social value and employment opportunities.
The Government says that once completed it will save the equivalent to taking 6 million cars off the road for an entire year
The scheme will create 4,000 new roles during construction with 60% of the workforce are being employed from within 25 miles of the route and 80% within 40 miles. 20% will be from underrepresented groups to create a diverse team to reflect the communities on the Transpennine route.
Using cutting-edge technology, the railway programme has also calculated the impact of its sustainable development activities to £4.28 bn in social value and an estimated £4.9bn in wellbeing impact, in addition to the traditional programme economic impact assessments.
Rail Minister Huw Merriman said:
“Sustainability is at the heart of the Transpennine Route upgrade – delivering faster and more reliable electrified services in the North in a way that’s also better for our environment.”
“I welcome the launch of today’s strategy and am proud to see the transformational benefits of the upgrade coming to life by creating new jobs and opportunities while slashing carbon emissions across the region.”
Anna Humphries, Head of Sustainability and Social Value for the Transpennine Route Upgrade, said:
“The Transpennine Route Upgrade’s sustainability strategy is clear in our vision for the North of England. We’re delivering not just a railway that will be faster, cleaner and provide more seats, but we’re putting the sustainability and social value delivery of the programme at the heart of all we do.”
“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make a real impact on the lives of those who live in the North of England and ‘Our Guiding Compass’ puts in writing how we intend to do that.”
