(17 Sep 2024, 6:42 pm)MurdnunoC wrote For me, the first thing the plan should address is need to bring all National Rail stations in the LA7 under the remit and control of NECA/TNE (or whatever they're called this week). This would allow complete multi-modal travel across the region from Haltwhistle to Horden; from Berwick to Durham; and everywhere in between. This happens in other Local Authority areas and counties across the UK so, for me, this is a more realistic proposition of progress using allocated funds rather than fantastical projects such as the Leamside Line; the Wearside Loop; the refurbishment of 16 year-old bus stations; or anything else where the cost is likely to run into the tens (or hundreds) of millions. It's an achievable prospect and is likely to encourage public transport usage if someone, for example, Alnwick, can nip on the bus down to Alnmouth and catch the train to Newcastle without sitting nigh on two-hours on a bus which traverses everywhere on the way. It's a small step, but one that could lead to bigger things such as the projects I've listed as you can then prove the passenger numbers are there if you speculate to accumulate.

It's very much like Town and City planning though. If you don't have an ambitious plan that has been out to public consultation, then you're likely to be overlooked when bidding for funding, versus authorities that are asking for something that is included in their plan. It ends up looking a bit of a shopping list, but you don't then have to repeat the consultation process for each project.

Kim McGuiness made a suggestion during her campaign that she wanted rail stations devolved to the Mayor. The management and operation of them, I'd agree with, but I don't think it'd be a wise move for a new Combined Authority to take on the liability to maintain a load of listed buildings. 

There was some work done previously (North East Rail and Metro strategy), which covered the issues around integration with the wider rail network in the region. For me, it's a must, and it should be a relatively quick win, now that private TOCs are going to become a thing of the past (aside from open access). It appears to be in the latest LTP draft for 2027, so you may get your wish!

If it does happen, I think it relies on two things. Firstly, the 3rd LNER train per hour to Edinburgh needs to become a reality. Secondly, bus franchising needs to be close/or delivered, otherwise we'll see some drastic cuts.