The Prime Minister has announced an additional £415 million in funding for the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU), pushing total government investment in the transformative rail programme to £7.3 billion.
The latest tranche of funding will drive forward progress on creating a faster, more reliable, and environmentally sustainable railway between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds, and York. Once complete, TRU will deliver:
- Up to six fast trains per hour between Leeds and Manchester
- Reduced journey times, with Manchester–York services in 63 minutes and Manchester–Leeds in 41 minutes
- Full route electrification, cutting carbon emissions by up to 87,000 tonnes annually
- Improved station facilities for greater accessibility and passenger comfort
- 15 extra daily freight trains, removing over 1,000 lorries from roads
Beyond improved transport links, TRU is generating thousands of local jobs and apprenticeships. Over 80% of the workforce is drawn from within 40 miles of the route, and more than 350 apprentices are currently working on the programme.
James Richardson, Managing Director for TRU, said:
“The government’s continued support for TRU is a clear vote of confidence in the work we are doing. This funding supports our onward journey to be truly transformational, delivering faster, more reliable rail services that connect people to jobs, education, and leisure opportunities.”
The upgrade will include full electrification of the 70-mile route, new digital signalling, and doubling track capacity between Huddersfield and Dewsbury. Key diversionary routes are also being upgraded to boost network resilience and capacity long-term.
TRU is a major component in unlocking the economic potential of the North, supporting sustainable growth, reducing road congestion, and connecting communities for generations to come.
