Here are all the new train and transport routes the UK plans to build
Working people in the North, Midlands and the South West will benefit from the biggest ever investment in buses, trams and local train infrastructure in city regions, the government has announced.
The investments form part of Chancellor Rachel Reeves upcoming Spending Review, which includes £15.6 billion of funding for local transport projects in England’s city regions – including South Yorkshire, the North East, the East Midlands and Tees Valley.
The funding represents a more than double real-terms increase in capital spending on local transport in city regions by 2029/30 compared with 2024/25. It is expected to empower local leaders to invest in transport projects that will make a difference to their local area.
“Today marks a watershed moment on our journey to improving transport across the North and Midlands – opening up access to jobs, growing the economy and driving up quality of life as we deliver our Plan for Change,” said Heidi Alexander (Transport Secretary).
“For too long, people in the North and Midlands have been locked out of the investment they deserve. With £15.6 billion of government investment, we’re giving local leaders the means to drive cities, towns and communities forward, investing in Britain’s renewal so you and your family are better off.”
All of the new routes and developments are outlined in more detail below.
West Midlands
How much is allocated: £2.4 billion
What’s included: Metro extension connecting Birmingham City Centre to new sports quarter, unlocking £3 billion investment from private investors. This is the first phase of new mass transit from East Birmingham to North Solihull.
West Yorkshire
How much is allocated: £2.1 billion
What’s included: Spades in the ground to start building West Yorkshire Mass Transit by 2028, with aim for first services by mid-2030s. Transforming six transport corridors in West Yorkshire not covered by the mass transit routes, including through new bus stations at Bradford and Wakefield
Greater Manchester
How much is allocated: £2.5 billion
What’s included: Major infrastructure projects to unlock new homes, jobs and better connect communities, including growing and transforming the Metrolink tram network, with new tram stops in Bury, Manchester and Oldham and Metrolink extension to Stockport. A fully electric Bee Network, with zero emission public transport network across bikes, bus and tram by 2030, including purchase of 1,000 new electric buses. £530 million to renew the tram network, providing a fleet of new, replacement vehicles, modernising tram stops, as well maintenance to improve reliability.
South Yorkshire
How much is allocated: £1.5 billion
What’s included: £350 million to reform South Yorkshire’s buses, with franchised buses operating in Sheffield, Doncaster and Rotherham by 2027 and across the whole of South Yorkshire by 2029.
Liverpool City Region
How much is allocated: £1.6 billion
What’s included: £100 million for three new bus rapid transit routes, to the Liverpool John Lennon Airport, Everton stadium and Anfield. Buying a brand-new fleet of buses for the city region’s franchised bus network, beginning with St Helens and the Wirral in 2026 and then Sefton, Knowsley, North and South Liverpool in 2027.
North East
How much is allocated: £1.8 billion
What’s included: Metro extension linking Newcastle and Sunderland via Washington, serving one of the largest advanced manufacturing zones in the UK.
West of England
How much is allocated: £0.8 billion
What’s included: £150 million to improve rail infrastructure across the region, including funding to support WECA’s ambitions for increased frequency of services between Brabazon and the city centre. £200 million for Mass transit development between Bristol, Bath, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset.
Tees Valley
How much is allocated: £1.0 billion
What’s included: £60 million for the Platform 3 extension at Middlesborough station, unblocking the local network.
East Midlands
How much is allocated: £2.0 billion
What’s included: Designing a new mass transit system to connect Derby and Nottingham, encompassing road, rail and bus improvements across the Trent Arc corridor.
