Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced a transformative £15 billion investment in regional transport infrastructure, marking a significant step toward reducing economic disparities across the UK. The funding, part of a broader £113 billion capital spending initiative, aims to enhance connectivity and productivity in the Midlands, North, and Southwest, which have historically been underserved by transport investments.
The investment plan includes substantial allocations for tram, train, and bus projects in key city regions. Greater Manchester is set to receive £2.5 billion to extend its Metrolink tram network to Stockport and add stops in Bury, Manchester, and Oldham. The West Midlands will benefit from £2.4 billion to expand services from Birmingham city centre to the new sports quarter. West Yorkshire is earmarked for £2.1 billion to initiate the West Yorkshire Mass Transit programme by 2028, including new bus stations in Bradford and Wakefield. South Yorkshire will receive £1.5 billion to renew the tram network and bus services across Sheffield, Doncaster, and Rotherham by 2027. The Liverpool city region is allocated £1.6 billion for faster connections to Liverpool John Lennon Airport, Everton stadium, and Anfield, along with a new bus fleet in St Helens and the Wirral. The Northeast will receive £1.8 billion to extend the Newcastle to Sunderland Metro via Washington. The West of England is set to receive £800 million to improve rail infrastructure, provide more frequent trains between the Brabazon industrial estate in Bristol and the city centre, and develop mass transit between Bristol, Bath, South Gloucestershire, and North Somerset. Tees Valley is allocated £1 billion, including a £60 million platform extension programme for Middlesbrough station. The East Midlands will receive £2 billion to improve road, rail, and bus connections between Derby and Nottingham.
This investment is part of Chancellor Reeves’ broader economic strategy to address regional inequalities and stimulate growth outside London and the Southeast. By prioritizing infrastructure development in underdeveloped areas, the government aims to enhance productivity, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for residents in these regions. The initiative also includes plans to overhaul the Treasury’s “Green Book,” which governs public investment evaluation, to reorient funding toward underinvested regions.
Reeves emphasized that this investment is not just about building infrastructure but about building a more equitable and resilient economy. She stated, “This is about ensuring that every part of our country has the opportunity to thrive.” The announcement has been welcomed by regional leaders and transport advocates, who see it as a long-overdue commitment to addressing the UK’s regional disparities.
As the government prepares to release the full details of its spending review, this £15 billion transport investment stands as a significant commitment to regional development and economic fairness. The outcomes of this initiative will be closely watched as a measure of the government’s dedication to leveling up the nation’s infrastructure and economy.
