LOCAL authorities are being given more say in how rail services in the north are run - as Transpennine Express agrees to continue running trains between York and cities such as Manchester and Liverpool for another year.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin met leaders of Rail North Ltd yesterday to sign a formal agreement devolving more power to it in managing TPE, which has a base in York, and another York-based key rail franchise, Northern Rail.

The Minister said that Rail North, which represents 29 local transport authorities from across the north of England, had already been actively involved in the design of future franchises for the businesses. "This agreement is a significant step towards full devolution.”

His comments came as it emerged that FirstGroup had agreed a contract with the Department for Transport to run the TPE franchise for a further year until April 2016, when the Government will award a new long-term contract for the route.

The operator, whose original franchise was due to come to an end on March 31, has also agreed to install wi-fi at major TransPennine stations which it runs, including Northallerton and Huddersfield.

York Press: ROLLING: A First Transpennine Express train on its way to York
ROLLING: A First Transpennine Express train on its way to York

Rail Minister Claire Perry said the new agreement would make a real difference to passengers, paving the way for the next franchise to further develop a railway the north of England was proud of.

FirstGroup chief executive Tim O'Toole said it provided continuity and consistency for passengers over the next year.

Three firms have been shortlisted by the Department for Transport to run the new franchise which will last seven years, with a possible two-year extension. FirstGroup will bid on its own, while the other contenders are Stagecoach TransPennine Express Trains and a Keolis Go-Ahead joint venture.

Bidders for the TPE franchise have until May 28 to submit their bids. For Northern, the deadline is June 26.
 

Call for high speed rail route to run through York

CITY of York Council chiefs have pledged to continue making the case for high speed rail to be linked to the East Coast Mainline through York.

Responding to yesterday's Transport for the North strategy report, the council said the integration of new services into existing routes, in particular the East Coast route, continued to be key to the success and value for money of the proposals.

The authority was responding to one of the options in the report, which was for a new direct route between Leeds and Newcastle rather than an upgrade of the existing route through York.

Cllr David Levene, Cabinet Member for Transport, said that although the proposals were still being formed and various options explored, the council welcomed the intention for increased transport investment in the North, which had traditionally lagged behind cities such as London.

"We will be working closely with the Government, Newcastle, and the Leeds City Region to shape the initial proposals for a high-speed rail link between Liverpool and Newcastle at this early stage," he said.