Short-term contract for Northern Rail “completely unacceptable”

Whilst welcoming yesterday’s statement by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps on the future of the Northern Rail franchise, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has described the option of a short-term contract for Northern Rail as “completely unacceptable.”

After a review into Northern Rail’s franchise was announced, a statement by the Transport Secretary left open the possibility of a short-term contract for Arriva Rail North, as an alternative to the Department for Transport’s Operator of Last Resort to run services.

Andy Burnham said:

“For months if not years we have been calling on the government to get a grip of the chaos on the railways of the North. We are pleased they have listened and today confirmed that Northern will be stripped of their franchise. Leaders across the North stand ready to work with Government to develop a solution that delivers for passengers.

“However, the Transport Secretary is still leaving open the possibility of Northern being given a new, short-term contract. How can it be right to reward an operator which has singularly failed to deliver an acceptable train service? This would be completely unacceptable.

“Finally, after years of misery for long-suffering passengers, we are beginning to see some light at the end of the tunnel. I urge the Transport Secretary to do the right thing for the travelling public in the North when he makes his decision at the end of the month.”

Political leaders in the North have long criticised the performance of two rail operators, Northern Rail and TransPennine Express for their performance in recent years. 

At a meeting between leaders and the rail companies, the Manchester Evening News has reported that rail bosses blamed external factors on recent December figures, that saw over 200 services a day being cancelled, including unexpectedly high sickness levels and delays to arrivals of new trains.