Next Northern Rail franchise owner announced

Northern Rail train

Alex Hynes, Managing Director for Northern Rail comments: “Today the Department for Transport has announced that Arriva has won the bid to run the next Northern franchise.

“From 1 April 2016, the next franchise will start the transformation of rail travel in the North. This morning’s announcement included removal of Pacers by the end of 2019 and a £400 million investment in 281 brand new air-conditioned carriages.

“Investment in the next franchise is the news we want for our customers. More trains, better trains and major service improvements before the end of the decade will transform our customers’ experience.

“It will deliver a rail network fit for the growing north and enable Northern to play an even greater role in rebalancing the UK economy. We look forward to delivering a new and exciting experience for our customers with Arriva.

“We would like to thank Serco and Abellio for everything we have achieved together. In 2015 there will be 100 million customer journeys on Northern services; 40 million more than when we started the franchise in 2004.

“The current franchise was awarded with a ‘no growth expectation’, yet Northern has worked to provide more services, more trains and 1,000 new jobs to help manage the dramatic growth in customer demand. It is amazing how far Northern Rail has come.”