Rail Minister Marks TRU Visit with Time Capsule | TRU Stakeholder Update March 2025

On February 27, Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy visited Ravensthorpe and Huddersfield in West Yorkshire to see the progress of the TRU. Accompanied by Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, they joined local schoolchildren and TRU apprentices in placing a time capsule at Ravensthorpe to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the modern railway. The time capsule, placed under the new viaduct's foundations, includes items such as a rail ticket, a local newspaper, and schoolchildren's design for the future railway. 

James Richardson, TRU Managing Director, highlighted the importance of the work in Ravensthorpe and Huddersfield for unlocking faster trains, more services, and increased freight movements. 

Lord Peter Hendy pointed out the upgrades' role in slashing journey times and investing in greener, more reliable services between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds, and York. Meanwhile, Tracy Brabin stressed the importance of improved transport for growth and connectivity across the north. 

The TRU programme, with a workforce of 5,000 aiming to grow to 8,000, is delivering significant social and economic benefits, including new electric services and increased capacity.