The companies that operate our two main services; Northern Rail and Trans Pennine Express, both reach the end of the current contracts in early 2016.
The Department of Transport in partnership with Rail North have been running a competition to select the future operators of both services. This competition was between six companies (three for each franchise).
Earlier this week (09/12/15) it was announced that the Northern Rail Franchise will go to Arriva Rail North and the Trans Pennine Franchise will remain with First Trans Pennine Express.
Further details of exactly what is planned for both services will be published over the coming weeks.
