Major projects delay Northern and TPE ITTs

摘要

Industry insiders report confusion at DfT over the timescale for the publication of the ITTs for replacement Northern and TransPennine Express franchises, both due to be issued to shortlisted bidders before Christmas. RBI understands that the bidders for TPE, in particular, have been informed of a possible delay. According to insiders, the main issue is the inability of Network Rail to deliver a firm timetable for the completion of electrification work in the northwest and slippage to the Northern Hub programme. Without clarification over when these projects are due to be delivered, it is impossible for DfT to set milestones within the ITTs for the introduction of electric rolling stock at both franchises and for the cascade of DMUs from TPE, both of which would enable Pacer DMUs to be withdrawn at Northern (p4).