Major rail franchise deals for North signed

DEALS which will provide an “unprecedented package of imrovements” and bring about the biggest transformation of rail journeys in the North of England and Scotland for decades were being signed today.

The Department for Transport has officially agreed the Northern franchise nine-year contract with Arriva Rail North Ltd and the TransPennine Express franchise seven-year contract with First Trans Pennine Express Ltd.

Formal confirmation follows the government’s announcement of the awards and a routine standstill period of at least 10 days.

Together, the operators will oversee a massive £1.2bn boost to rail services with 500 brand-new modern carriages, room for 40,000 more passengers, 2,000 extra services a week and a host of improvements to deliver a modern, 21st Century passenger experience.

The Government says improvements will play a vital role in bringing the Northern Powerhouse to life, rebalancing the economy, creating jobs, opportunity and growth, and providing significantly better journeys across the region.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “We promised passengers a world class rail service that would make the Northern Powerhouse a reality – and I’m delighted that we have found 2 operators that will deliver exactly that.”