Chamber Applauds New Proposals As Express Is Put Back Into Trans-Pennine Rail Services

Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce is applauding the new proposals from Transport for the North, DfT and Network Rail which will see Trans-Pennine Express introduce a direct Hull to Liverpool service and cut rail journey times over the Pennines.

The new services would be introduced in the December 2022 timetable if approved, providing direct rail services between two major ports in the West and East of the country.

Chamber Chief Executive Dr Ian Kelly said: “The Chamber has led a strong, long-running campaign to obtain better and faster rail services from Hull over the Pennines and we are very pleased to see these new proposals.

“While there is still no direct link to Manchester Airport, which we still believe is something the Humber badly needs to encourage inward investors, these new proposals are a big step in the right direction, cutting out many of the intermediate stops between Hull and Manchester which we have long complained about.

“We’ve worked with local MPs Diana Johnson and Emma Hardy, along with Cllr Daren Hale from Hull City Council, our rail advisor David Walford and other stakeholders and experts through various channels to consistently drive home these key messages which at last seem to have been listened to.

“This demonstrates what can be achieved when the Humber works together to push a strong message and a clear ask with one voice.

“These changes would be a massive improvement for the Humber reducing journey times, providing direct trains to Liverpool without the need to change train and with direct connections to Manchester Airport at Huddersfield and Manchester Victoria.

“Cllr Hale who is on the Transport for the North Board has been pushing this area’s case strongly, so this is a great team effort and a very positive move.

“We look forward to seeing these proposals implemented next year”.