Due to gain statutory powers later this year, Transport for the North has published its draft 30-year Strategic Transport Plan for Northern England, outlining a 'revolutionary investment programme' running to 2050. This includes the Northern Powerhouse Rail concept of a network of upgraded and new lines providing 'rapid, reliable and resilient' services linking the north's six biggest cities, integration of regional services with the future High Speed 2, and an updated Long-term Rail Strategy outlining priorities for investment in existing lines. (Item contains no further information.)
Railway Gazette, Feb. 2018. p.26.