Door opened for private investment to electrify rail lines to Hull
Labour MPs are in conversation with the Government about the potential for private funding to electrify the rail lines to Hull.
The Humber city and east Yorkshire were written out of the plans for Northern Powerhouse Rail, despite this being part of the mayoral devolution deal.
Bi-modal NPR trains will run to Hull, changing from electric to diesel.
A Department for Transport spokesperson told The Yorkshire Post that these plans do not " exclude other rail projects through other funding sources and the electrification of the lines to Hull remains under consideration”.
Hull MPs are hopeful that they can resurrect a plan for private investment to fund the electrification.
A First Group initiative in 2013 was expected to cost around £100m to electrify the Selby to Hull line, however there is hope that new technology could actually cut this figure.
Hull North and Cottingham MP Dame Diana Johnson said: “Hull MPs are in conversations within government and with key stakeholders around the Humber about how we can build on last week’s Northern Powerhouse Rail announcement, honour our devolution deal’s commitment to Hull rail electrification and eliminate polluting diesel trains from the rail lines to Hull.
“The technology involved in electrifying these rail lines is now less costly than when the then Tory Government blocked the previous privately financed attempt at Hull rail electrification in 2016.
“At the same time, we know that private investors are keen to put tens of billions into boosting the Humber economy. So now is the time to move forward.”
The Hull and East Yorkshire Mayor Luke Campbell and East Riding leader Coun Anne Handley have both signed a letter to Chancellor Rachel Reeves, calling for rail upgrades to support the freight loads coming out of the estuary.
“There is a real risk that devolution becomes a slogan if places like Hull and East Yorkshire continue to wait, despite alignment with national priorities and a clear, deliverable case,” they said.
A DfT Spokesperson said: “Northern Powerhouse Rail will deliver new rail services that are faster, more frequent and more reliable for millions of people.”
They added that the “announcement does not exclude other rail projects through other funding sources and the electrification of the lines to Hull remains under consideration.”
“While the whole of the north will benefit from better journeys east to west, our plans for NPR commit to regular onward services to Hull and we will work closely with local politicians to consider improvements to this route.”