Ahead of the local, regional and devolved national elections in May 2021, RIA has published five manifestos covering London & the South East, the North of England, Midlands, Wales and Scotland. The Northern Manifesto is delivered jointly with Northern Rail Industry Leaders (NRIL).

The Northern Manifesto calls for:

1. Deliver major projects in the North, including HS2, with the Eastern Leg, Northern Powerhouse Rail and the Trans Pennine Route Upgrade.
2. To recognise the importance of rail for net zero and accelerate the decarbonisation of the North’s rail network.
3. Help boost investment in skills and capability, and promote the range of high skilled, green jobs and career opportunities in the rail industry to students and workers across the North.
4. Provide funding for and support Research and Development across the North, ensuring that innovation is at the heart of the rail sector plans.