Subsidy battle looming

摘要

Industry insiders report increasing certainty that DfT is proposing significant cuts in taxpayer support for the next Northern and TransPennine Express franchises (RB1455 p2). The refranchising process is scheduled to begin in July, with both new franchises due to commence in February 2016. Indications that TPE will be required to release its 18 Class 170 DMU cars in 2016 suggest that the next franchise will be strongly focused on long-distance services, with some local routes transferring to Northern.