TVU's efforts to influence the East Coast rail franchise are a prime example of how the LEP enables the Tees Valley to collaborate and speak with one voice for the greater good of the area. The new franchise starts in March 2015 and has been seized as an opportunity to retain and enhance train services at Darlington and push for new routes between Middlesbrough and London. The Tees Valley's rail links via its gateway of Darlington are vitally important. They bring in 600,000 visitors a year and generate around £72m for the local economy - supporting 1,400 jobs in the process. With HS2 in the pipeline it's imperative the station is ready to capitalise on the benefits it could deliver. TVU has been able to use its knowledge of the vast number of economic developments across the Tees Valley, and particularly around Darlington and Middlesbrough, to bolster wider efforts to ensure the area benefits from the new franchise. It is using this expertise to influence strategic lobbying vehicles, such as Rail North, the North East Business Unit and the East Coast Mainline Authorities Group.
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