CUTTING rail journey times between East Lancashire and Manchester is still on the agenda for Transport for the North.

The organisation unveiled its strategic transport plan and draft investment programme as part of its £70billion blueprint to transform the North’s economy.

Improving links to Manchester from Burnley, Rossendale and Blackburn all form part of the later phases of Northern Powerhouse Rail and further potential interventions, according to the plan.

Journey time and capacity improvements on the East Lancashire line are also under consideration, as are journey time and service improvements between Colne and Accrington.

The next stage is for the plans to be considered by Transport for the North’s Board, who will meet on Thursday in Chester.

Subject to approval the plans will be launched by Transport for the North on Monday, February 11, at a conference in Sheffield.

If approved, the proposals will become Transport for the North’s statutory advice to Government on what the ongoing priorities are for enhancing sustainable and inclusive connectivity across the North.

Barry White, chief executive of TfN, said: “The Strategic Transport Plan is a hugely

important document for the north.

“It is our vision for a prosperous pan-northern future and outlines how investment in transport could transform our economy.

“Our investment programme outlines how an additional investment of just £50 per person in the north, per year, could play a part in unlocking a £100 billion increase in economic activity and create 850,000 new jobs.

“For the people of the north, this will mean more choice over where they live and work, access to higher quality jobs and better connections to friends and families.

“It will mean our businesses have more opportunity to collaborate, trade and grow in a sustainable way.

“This final plan will be a statutory document written by the north, for the north, and will be our blueprint to deliver transformational change and leave a legacy for future generations.”

MP for Rossendale and Darwen and Northern Powerhouse minister Jake Berry said: “This is the Northern Powerhouse coming of age.

“This plan sets out an ambitious vision to reverse decades of transport inequality and has Northern Powerhouse rail at its heart.”

Damian Waters, Confederation of British Industry north west regional director, said: “TfN’s vision shows what can be achieved when business and local political leaders work together in the best interests of their regions.”

“Transport for the North’s (TfN) vision to improve vital transport infrastructure over the next few decades is a key milestone for the North of England, and the UK as a whole.

“The plans for better connections between the towns, cities and international gateways that will assist the North’s long-term growth reflect business priorities across the country.

“High quality and reliable infrastructure keeps the economy moving, drives growth, and has a tremendous impact on productivity. These plans will also create hundreds of thousands of new jobs, bringing new opportunities to communities.