£500m for reopening rail lines a ‘great start’ says Campaign for Better Transport

Welcoming the Government's announcement today of a £500 million fund to reopen former rail lines and another round of the New Stations Fund, Darren Shirley, chief executive of Campaign for Better Transport, said:

"There are far too many cut off communities which are suffering economically and socially as a result of poor transport links. Reconnecting an area to the rail network can change its fortunes and provide a much-needed economic and employment boost. That's why the £500 million announced today is a great start, but we hope to see more Government funding in the future to ensure that as many former lines as possible can be reopened. 

"We are also pleased to see another round of the New Stations fund which has already successfully brought hundreds of thousands of people within walking distance of the rail network."