Northern has confirmed that train services will transfer to Northern Trains Limited on the 1st March 2020.
You can read more about the Northern news by clicking here.
Here is what Arriva MD, Chris Burchell, had to say:
“We had a clear vision for the Northern franchise that would better connect the cities of the North with more frequent, reliable and modern services and unlock economic growth. It was clear however that, largely because of external factors, the franchise plan had become undeliverable. A new plan is needed that will secure the future for Northern train services. As such, we understand Government’s decision today.
“I would like to recognise the hard work of the 6,000 strong team at Northern who have worked tirelessly over the last four years to deliver improvements to local rail services in the North, at times under extremely difficult conditions.
“The scale of the challenges we faced outside of our direct control were unprecedented, particularly around delayed or cancelled infrastructure projects and prolonged strike action. Despite the challenges, the team has introduced brand new trains onto the network for the first time in a generation. They have introduced more than 2,000 extra services per week, refurbished trains and stations, and created hundreds of new customer-facing jobs as part of a £600 million investment programme for the North.
“We recognise however that overall service improvements have not come quickly enough, and passengers deserve better. For that, we wholeheartedly apologise. We now stand ready to support Government and the Operator of Last Resort to ensure a smooth transfer for our passengers and colleagues alike.
“I am confident that as a result of the determination and hard work of the Northern rail team, they have helped set strong foundations for future improvement on the network.”
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Responses
South Western Railway should be next.
Unless Grant Shapps gets platforms 15 & 16 built at Piccadilly
then it will be just the same all over again in Manchester,
Northern – No Northern – Or whoever. Pointless exercise
just for photo opportunities the Fleetwood thing as already
Blackpool had plans to use the line for a circular tram service.