Boost to rail services in the North West brings Northern Powerhouse to life, says the Government

Castleton train station

Rail journeys in the north west will undergo the "biggest transformation in decades", thanks to an "unprecedented package of improvements" being delivered in new franchise deals, the government announced today (Wednesday 9 December 2015).

More than 500 brand-new carriages, the removal of the outdated and unpopular Pacer trains, room for 40,000 extra passengers at the busiest times, and more than 2,000 extra services a week will be delivered across the north.

The government has announced it intends to award the Northern franchise to Arriva Rail North Limited, and the TransPennine Express franchise to First Trans Pennine Express Limited.

Together they will oversee a £1.2 billion boost to rail services with brand-new modern trains, more seats, more services and a host of improvements to "deliver a modern, 21st century passenger experience - as well as playing 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".

As part of the government’s commitment to ensure local passengers are at the heart of the rail network and devolve power to those that know their economies and customers best, the franchises will be jointly managed from Leeds by the Department for Transport and Rail North Limited - which represents 29 local authorities across the north.

Councillor Richard Farnell, Leader of Rochdale Borough Council, said: “This announcement is great news. It means it’s full steam ahead for the Northern Hub proposals, which will trigger millions of pounds of much-needed investment for our region and the Rochdale borough.

"With new rail carriages, room for an additional 40,000 passengers and increased services between Manchester and Leeds as well as a direct rail link between Rochdale and Manchester airport all set to be delivered, this will cement Rochdale’s reputation as a great place to do business and one of the best connected boroughs in the whole region.”

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “We promised passengers in the north west a world class rail service that would make the Northern Powerhouse a reality – and I’m delighted that we have found two operators that will deliver exactly that. As a one nation government we are committed to closing the economic gap between north and south. This deal, and the joint management of the franchises, will bring the Northern Powerhouse to life.

“In 2004, the last time these contracts were awarded, the government did not plan for growth – today we’ve put that right.

“Arriva Rail North Limited and First Trans Pennine Express Limited went far beyond our requirements with exciting, ambitious plans that will make a real difference to customers, and – coupled with our commitment to push ahead with electrifying the vital Transpennine route – will help the region realise its full economic potential, ensuring it has a modern 21st century transport system. This is fantastic news for the north west.”

Sir Richard Leese, chairman of the Association of Rail North Partner Authorities said: “Passengers were clear that they wanted to see a transformation including a lot more newer, better, trains running more regularly with a step change in services provided off-peak and on Sundays. They also wanted improvements to stations and changes to make ticketing easier - and thanks to all the partnership work by Rail North and the Department for Transport, that's exactly what we are able to announce today.

“This is another crucial move towards devolution for the North. Rail North will now play a key role in the management and development of both new franchises, providing an excellent platform for further development and full devolution in the future. Rail North will work very closely with Transport for the North to drive forward economic growth by developing visionary proposals to deliver radically improved connectivity across the north.”