The Chancellor has announced billions of pounds of investment in transport across England's city regions.
The money will be spent on tram, train and bus projects in mayoral authorities across the Midlands, the North and the West Country.
Greater Manchester will receive £2.5bn to extend Metrolink to Stockport and add new stops in Bury, Manchester and Oldham.
Chris Fletcher, Policy Director at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said: “Today's announcement on key local infrastructure projects and the recognition that investment needs realignment across the country is a positive step forward. For too long, too many locations critical to the success of the UK economy, have struggled due to transport networks that fail to support sustainable growth. What we see today marks the beginning of correcting years of under-investment.
“However, more work remains - especially in connecting major economic hubs across the country, particularly cities in the north. That’s why it is crucial to ensure that new projects, such as the Liverpool-Manchester Railway, feature prominently in future funding decisions. This government has ambitious growth plans, and by supporting projects like this, communities will witness real progress, businesses will gain confidence to invest, and economic expansion will follow.
“Today is a strong starting point, but the real challenge is ensuring the government sees the job through to completion.”
Earlier this week a letter of support for the Liverpool-Manchester Railway was sent to the Prime Minister and Chancellor, signed by the Chamber’s Presidential Team, urging them to ensure the scheme is included in the upcoming Spending Review and the new 10 year Infrastructure Strategy - read more here.