Tram services in the North and Midlands will continue to
benefit from government funding, with up to a further £67.8m
available to keep essential services running for communities,
the Government has announced today (Thursday 22 October).
Outside London, more than 119 million journeys are taken by
light rail or tram each year, underlining their value to
communities across the North and Midlands. Usage has dropped
since the start of the pandemic, which has had a significant
impact on revenues - meaning local authorities and operators
would have struggled to maintain services without Government
intervention.
The funding announced today, alongside three previous rounds of
funding, will continue to help ease the financial burden on
local authorities and operators, ensuring these vital northern
services can continue running safely.
Local authorities and operators in Sheffield, Tyne and Wear,
Nottingham, the West Midlands, Manchester and Blackpool are set
to receive up to £35.4m over the next 12 weeks. Up to a further
£32.4m will then be available, subject to a Government review
informed by local authorities’ plans to move networks onto a
more financially sustainable footing, for up to the end of
March 2021.
Light Rail Minister Baroness Vere said:
“Trams serve as a vital link for communities in the North and
Midlands – whether it’s to get to local shops, school or
work, we know many people rely on these services every day.
“That’s why we’re continuing to fund services so that they
can operate safely during the pandemic. Passengers across the
North and Midlands will continue to have access to the
services they need.”
This latest commitment brings the total funding provided for
light rail to over £160m since the start of the pandemic,
outlining the Government’s commitment to keep services running
for those who need them.
It’s another instance of the Government’s support for transport
infrastructure in the North, helping to protect and level up
the region’s transport capabilities to provide people with more
frequent, better connected and higher-quality journeys.
Further recent investment includes committing £42m to upgrade
the A630 between Rotherham and Sheffield, as well as starting
work on the £51m A19 upgrade near Sunderland six months ahead
of schedule. The Government has also launched the Northern
Transport Acceleration Council to speed up the delivery of
Northern transport projects.
