NORTHERN RAIL HAS FRANCHISE EXTENDED INTO 2016

Train operator Northern Rail who operate services between Liverpool, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield, has had its franchise extended by 22 months until February 2016.

However, as part of the awarding of the interim franchise agreement, the Department for Transport said there will be “tough new targets” for punctuality, reliability and passenger satisfaction.

Northern Rail is a 50:50 joint venture between Serco Group and the Dutch rail firm Abellio and, according to Serco, punctuality has risen from 84% to 90% since 2004, and fleet reliability has doubled, while annual passenger numbers have increased by 47% from 63 million to 94 million each year. But the Government said the deal came with tougher punctuality, reliability and passenger satisfaction targets, and a commitment to upgrade Northern Rail’s rolling stock.

David Stretch, Serco’s managing director for transport services, said:

“Serco has a strong track record of providing high quality rail services in the UK and internationally. We are delighted that the strong performance of our partnership with Abellio, and focus on doing the right thing for our passengers, has been recognised with the award of this new contract.”

Rail minister, Stephen Hammond, said:

“Rail travel across the north will be transformed over the next five years through huge levels of government investment.

“However, I am well aware that there is a need for action now. So I have insisted on even tougher punctuality, reliability and passenger satisfaction targets for Northern Rail.

“We will also continue to work closely with the operator to deliver additional electric trains which will strengthen services across the network.”

The Department for Transport said the deal will support its £600m Northern Hub investment in rail services across the north and is working with Northern Rail on a proposal for a fleet of electric trains which would see existing diesel stock released to strengthen other services during the period of the deal.

Northern Rail has also agreed to provide new passenger information screens at a further 100 train stations and to make it easier to buy tickets.