RAIL firms bidding to win the TransPennine Express franchise have been warned they could face serious cash pressures when one of them is successful.

The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) may not give short-listed operators the cash backing they expected, the Evening Press has learned.

The SRA's strategic plan promised long franchises and extra investment in Britain's railways.

But, in contrast to a 20-year franchise awarded to Chiltern Railways just weeks ago, the TransPennine Express winner will be offered only eight years.

Reports suggest that the investment figure could be as little as £50 million. Yet the rail watchdog is still demanding that new rolling stock and investment in high-speed style trains is carried through. Arriva, which currently runs the route, First, in partnership with Keolis SA, and Connex is bidding for the franchise, which will begin operation early next year.

The service, the flagship rail route in the North, will run to destinations including York, Newcastle and Manchester Airport.

An SRA spokesman said: "Affordability is certainly an issue. There is not a bottomless pit of money for spending on the franchise. We have made it quite clear that this time round we would wish the parties to focus on investment and performance."

Martin Helm, at First group, added: "We are giving this our best shot. We will include as much investment as is possible and will work to the rules that the SRA is stating."

Updated: 10:47 Thursday, March 07, 2002