Rail passenger
s in the North East will feel the benefit from new trains, more frequent services and smart ticket travel as part of a franchise deal between local councils and the Department for Transport announced today.
The deal will also
bring greater local powers to hold train companies to account and ensure they deliver services in line with their franchise agreements.
The North East Combined Authority and Tees Valley Unlimited partnership have worked together to secure a better deal for passengers in two new rail franchises serving the North of England.
The new franchise holders, Arriva Rail North Ltd for Northern Rail and First Trans Pennine Express Ltd for TransPennine Express, are between them committed to invest in new trains, with the introduction of more than 500 new carriages meaning the replacement of the notorious ‘Pacer’ fleet and other outmoded carriages by 2020.
They will also be providing more frequent services and new links on lines within the North East and to cities including Edinburgh, Leeds, Manchester and Carlisle.