RAIL users in mid Cheshire have been given a much needed boost after it was confirmed the next franchise agreement would mean two trains an hour between Northwich and Manchester via Knutsford.
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin announced the details today, Friday.
The franchises will be required to replace outdated Pacer trains, introduce new trains and invest in stations among a host of requirements.
The publication of the 'Invitations to Tender' is the first step in the transformation of train travel between the northern cities. It is also a significant step in the creation of a northern powerhouse for the UK economy.
The 'two an hour' service will not stop at the village stations between Northwich and Manchester, stopping at Knutsford then Altrincham.
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: “This is an historic moment for the north.
"Improving rail links in the region has been much anticipated. These old trains have been rattling across rails in the North for over 30 years; a constant source of complaint which have held the region back.
“As part of my Northern Futures initiative I asked the people of the North what they wanted to build a stronger economy and transport was top of the list. So I fought hard to replace pacer trains as soon as possible.
“Today's plans include a new fleet of trains and improved services that will better connect our great Northern towns and cities. Modernising rail in the North will encourage business, boost tourism and give commuters the journey they deserve; one that is fit for a 21st century metropolis.”
Nick Clegg
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin added: “This is great news for passengers across the north, who will finally get a rail service that matches up to the booming economy in this region.
"That means more seats, more services and a brand new fleet of modern trains.
"Unlike the last Northern franchise in 2004, which included limited plans to invest in services or meet demand, this deal will maintain investment and grow to fit the needs of passengers for years to come.
“Together with the £1 billion investment we are making to improve the region’s railways and our plans to link east and west through HS3, our railways are making the region an economic powerhouse.”
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin
Chair of Rail North Sir Richard Leese said: “We know from the consultation that passengers want to see a step-change in the quality of train vehicles, stations, more trains on Sundays and at off-peak times, and longer trains at busy peak times to ease overcrowding - and thanks to the hard work put in by Rail North, that's exactly what they're going to get.
"But this is only the starting point; the Invitations to Tender specify the minimum required from the new franchisees, and Rail North will continue to push for greater enhancements in future years which will help deliver regional economic growth by helping people get to jobs faster, in comfort and affordably."
Full details of what the bidders for the two new franchises are required to deliver are set out in the Invitations to Tender for the Northern and TransPennine Express franchises.
These set out the minimum level of improvements bidders hoping to secure the next franchises will need to include in their detailed proposals.
The key improvements the government wants the bidders for the Northern franchise to include are: * removal of the existing Pacer trains.
* ordering at least 120 new-build carriages.
* modernising every train operating on the Northern franchise.
* doubling the number of services on many routes on the Northern franchise.
* providing more services for commuters, during off-peak times and on Sundays.
* investing at least £30 million to improve stations along the Northern franchise route.
* creating a Customer and Communities Improvement Fund (CCIF) to invest around £13.8 million to deliver benefits for passengers.
* introducing free Wi-Fi on all Northern trains by 2020 at the latest.
In August, the government announced which companies had been shortlisted in the competition to run the two franchises.
For the Northern franchise, these are:
* Abellio Northern Ltd.
* Arriva Rail North Limited.
* Govia Northern Limited.
A public consultation was launched in June, asking for the views of passengers and stakeholders on how the Northern and TransPennine Express franchises should be improved. Alongside the ITTs, the government is publishing a summary of the responses to its consultation.
Bidders for the Trans Pennine Express franchise have until May 28, 2015 to submit their bids. For Northern, the deadline is June 26, 2015.
The tender timetables can be viewed by clicking on the links below:
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