TransPennine Express extension to Saltburn raises hopes for businesses in the region

The TransPennine Express will extend its Manchester rail service to Saltburn in May.

The train operator has announced that from spring next year, its service from Manchester Airport which currently runs through Middlesbrough and terminates at Redcar will now end at Saltburn.

Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen said: “I’m delighted that TransPennine has committed to this change, giving local people the rail network they deserve and opening up direct travel to York, Leeds and Manchester.

“We’ve been working on this for more than two years, so to see this hard work pay off and to deliver this service not just for the people of Redcar but now the people of Saltburn and East Cleveland is fantastic.

“As we recover from the coronavirus pandemic, better transport to towns and cities across the north will play an important role in both allowing businesses to grow and also helping people to quickly and easily reconnect with friends and loved ones living in these towns.”

MP for Redcar, Jacob Young, said: “In my first week as an MP here, we saw the extension of the Manchester Airport train to Redcar Central, a huge win for our area - now to extend it to Saltburn is an even bigger win and shows the great opportunities here.

“This extension is something that I’ve campaigned for alongside Simon & Ben for a number of years and I’m really pleased to see it finally happening.

“Across Teesside we’re levelling up opportunities whether that’s with more jobs for local people, better schools for our kids and, with things like this, improved public transport for everyone.”