TSSA welcomes boost for devolved transport

Rail union TSSA has hailed as ‘long overdue’ a £15 billion increase in funding for transport across city regions in England outside London ahead of the government’s Spending Review next week.  

The announcement, made by Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, represents an uplift in the cash already promised to mayoral authorities via the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements (CRSTS), a funding pot designed to improve transport links within city regions.  

Commenting, TSSA General Secretary, Maryam Eslamdoust said: “This is a transformative step towards delivering sustainable, accessible, and regionally balanced transport infrastructure. 

“For too long communities outside London have been left behind due to outdated funding models and underinvestment. This announcement not only injects much-needed capital into our urban transport systems but also signals a long-overdue shift in how government values regional connectivity. 

“Our members across the UK will be heartened to see real commitments to projects that will create jobs, reduce emissions, and improve everyday journeys.  

“This is not only the right thing to do but will be of great value to millions of people in the years ahead. We urge the government to work closely with transport unions and local authorities to ensure these plans are delivered efficiently and fairly.”