RAIL is fundamental to Cheshire’s prosperity.

That’s why we – the rail companies in the north – launched our plan for a changing and improving railway that will secure almost £85 billion of extra economic benefits to the country, improve journeys and better connect communities, from Chester to Congleton and Warrington to Winsford.

Only this plan, delivered by a changing partnership railway, will secure the economic benefits from current investment by the public and private sectors, and enable further improvement.

To get there we are making four commitments for change – for our economy, our customers, our communities and our people.

We will use these commitments to frame and guide our decision making from now on, and we will deliver – publishing a progress report every year – because the railway is so important to north’s future prosperity.

DAVID BROWN, managing director of Northern AMANDA HINES, General Manager for Virgin Trains on the west coast route ANDY COOPER, managing director of CrossCountry LEO GOODWIN, managing director of TransPennine Express MARTIN FROBISHER, managing director of Network Rail’s London North Western Route ROB MCINTOSH, managing director of Network Rail’s London North Eastern Route JAKE KELLY, managing director of East Midlands