Transpennine route upgrade embraces social values

Saturday, December 16, 2023

On December 14th, the Transpennine Route Upgrade unveiled a new book in collaboration with author Chris Madeley. The launch event took place in Huddersfield and featured 60 students from Spring Grove Primary School who had the privilege of getting an early glimpse of the book. This book, designed for children, offers insights into railway safety, the advantages of the TRU program, and fascinating facts about the locations along the route.

The event was attended by local councillors who witnessed another chapter in TRU’s rollout of their sustainability strategy, with a particular emphasis on social values.

Titled ‘Cones and The Transpennine Upgrade ,’ the book narrates the adventures of four cones as they journey between Manchester and York, discovering the work being carried out and how it is completed.

Chris Madeley, the author behind the ‘Cones’ book series, expressed his delight, saying, “I am thrilled to have authored this book for the TRU program. I believe it’s an excellent way to engage children with the railway and its significance for the North. The book is both fun and educational, offering a colorful and informative experience. I hope the children enjoyed the book launch event and learned something new about the Transpennine Route Upgrade and railway safety.”

This event underscored TRU’s commitment to enhancing the lives of the communities along the Transpennine Route Upgrade, as outlined in its sustainability strategy. This strategy aims to ensure that the program generates positive social, economic, and environmental outcomes for the North, while also enhancing rail travel for passengers. More information about this strategy can be found here: [link to the sustainability strategy].

Anna Humphries, Head of Sustainability and Social Values at TRU, remarked, “We are delighted to have collaborated with Chris Madeley on this book. We believe it’s a fantastic initiative to raise awareness and interest in the TRU program among the younger generation. The book is not only entertaining but also highlights the long-term benefits of the program and its role in shaping the future of the North. This opportunity aligns directly with our sustainability strategy, which outlines our goals to unlock significant economic, social, and environmental benefits across the route. We hope the book will inspire children to learn more about the railway and how major projects like the Transpennine Route Upgrades are completed.”

The TRU program is set to transform the Transpennine main line into a high-performing, reliable railway, providing more frequent, reliable, faster, and environmentally friendly train services. As part of its Sustainability Strategy, TRU plans to engage with communities, educate over 100,000 young people through inclusive education programs, employ 590 apprentices, and provide over 30,000 placement days to support new entrants into the industry.

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