Greater Manchester mayor Bev Craig is pushing the government to confirm by Christmas that it will build a new underground rail station at Manchester Piccadilly.
Craig told BBC Radio Manchester's Hot Seat programme that an underground Piccadilly Station would help solve transport problems in the city. She said the station would "unlock homes and jobs" and create a transport system "fit for the future".
Current overcrowding concerns
The mayor highlighted overcrowding at the existing station as a key issue. "You can't have the functioning of the north of England reliant on trains backed up on platforms 13 and 14 and call that a modern transport system," she said.
The proposal supports the £45bn Northern Powerhouse Rail project, which aims to boost rail travel across the region.
Background to the plan
Former mayor Andy Burnham, now Prime Minister, called for the station to go underground during his previous role. He described the project as making the station the "Kings Cross of the north of England".
Craig said she was working "really closely" with the Transport Secretary on the issue and that Burnham would be a "firm ally" on the plans.
Greater Manchester and the government have set up a joint piece of work on the project. Craig wants an answer before Christmas so planning can begin.