NEW FRANCHISES HERALD NEW ERA FOR THE NORTH

摘要

The new Northern and TransPennine Express rail franchises have been launched, with both promising to bring new trains and additional services to the region over the coming years. Arriva has taken over operation of the Northern franchise from Serco and Abellio under a nine-year deal. FirstGroup continues to run the TPE operation but now in its own right rather than in a joint venture with Keolis, as part of a deal running for at least seven years. Both franchises will be jointly managed from Leeds by the Department for Transport and Rail North, which represents 29 local authorities across the region.The franchises were launched at a joint event held at Manchester Piccadilly station on 1 April, emphasising the need for the operators to work closely together and with Network Rail to deliver promised improvements.