FIRST GROUP, one of three shortlisted bidders for the Trans Pennine franchise, today unveils its bid.

The company is set to invest more than £500m on the route which runs from Manchester Airport and Liverpool through to Hull, York and Newcastle.

The franchise bid, expected within weeks of the General Election, has been dogged by speculation that Connex, the much-maligned southern operator, is set to be given the lucrative service.

But First Group, which also runs First York, the city's main bus company, is confident it is submitting the strongest bid.

The bid, jointly, with Via GTI, includes plans for;

Improving track and signalling to expand and speed-up the service.

Cutting journey times

New air-conditioned, quieter and smoother trains.

Specially-adapted trains with extra luggage space are to be run to Manchester to ease travel for airline passengers and, in partnership with the airport, remote baggage check-in will be available.

The company, which employs 50,000 employees across the UK and America, will also offer real-time training-running information on buses, the Internet and mobile phones.

It also plans to improve stations along the route, offering extra car-parking spaces, cycle path access and more station staff.

First Group already runs three franchises; First Great Western, First North Western and First Great Eastern and plans to add £200m worth of trains across the network.

"Trans Pennine Express is an exciting opportunity which we are keen to win," said a spokesman.

"Our mission is to create a top-quality intercity network for the North over the lifetime of the franchise.

"We believe strongly that our proposals offer the best solution for rail passengers, current and future, in the region."

The bid has been presented to country and district councils, rail users groups and consultation meetings across the north of England.

The company's best and final offer was submitted to the Strategic Rail Authority on March 14.

The franchise is currently held by Arriva, formerly operating as Northern Spirit.

Updated: 10:31 Saturday, May 26, 2001