FirstGroup will continue to run trains from Stockport to Manchester – but has promised more trains at peak times.
FirstGroup won the TransPennine Express franchise, beating Stagecoach and a joint venture between Keolis and Go-Ahead and will continue to run TransPennine Express until 2023.
It has promised more trains from Stockport and Hazel Grove, and more trains to Manchester Airport, as well as free wifi at stations.
German firm Arriva takes over the Northern Franchise – from Manchester to Leeds and York – from April 2016 until 2025. It beat Dutch rival Abellio.
Arriva has promised to phase out the Pacer trains that serve regional routes by the end of 2019.
Along with the new franchises, the Government has also promised 500 new carriages, room for 40,000 more passengers and thousands more services in a £1.2bn improvement plan.
More devolution, and the transformation of the rail network – including the electrification the Manchester-Leeds line which has been delayed to 2022/23 – are included in the progamme.
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 TransPennine 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.”
What is promised
First Trans Pennine Express Limited will operate services on the TransPennine Express franchise – which runs intercity services across the region and into Scotland – from April 2016 until March 2023.
They will bring in 220 new carriages, equivalent to 44 trains, providing fast 125mph services across the network, as well as introducing in the north west:
- Nearly 4,000 more seats on Liverpool and Manchester services – an overall increase of 59% – during the morning peak
- A new, direct Liverpool to Glasgow service from December 2018 with new electric trains and additional services from Manchester to Glasgow and Edinburgh from December 2017
- More trains from Manchester to Hull, Middlesbrough and Liverpool , with faster, more regular services from Liverpool to Manchester and Leeds, plus a new direct link from Manchester Airport to Newcastle
- Discounted advance fares for 16- to 18-year-olds and jobseekers