Julian Welcomes New Franchise Contracts But Urges Progress on Electrification
December 9, 2015
Julian has welcomed the news that new contracts have been awarded for the Northern and TransPennine Express franchises, in a £1.2billion boost to rail services in our region. However, he has said that he will continue to hold the Government to account to deliver its commitment on electrifying the TransPennine Express route.
The contracts have been awarded to Arriva North and First TransPennine Express respectively, who together look set to deliver 500 brand new carriages, room for 40,000 more passengers and additional Sunday services, as well as a range of other benefits. Transport Ministers have hailed the announcements, claiming that the new contracts will create jobs, opportunity and growth and – coupled with electrifying the vital TransPennine route – will help to bring the Northern Powerhouse to life by ensuring it has a modern 21st century transport system.
As both routes serve York, Julian has claimed that the city and its surrounding communities will be some of the key beneficiaries.
Commenting he said:
“This is great news for York and the North as a whole. I’m delighted that these new contracts will mean significant further investment in our northern rail infrastructure and I’m particularly pleased that the existing capacity on these routes will be dramatically enhanced, which in my opinion will better equip the North to realise its full economic potential.
“Nevertheless, we must set these announcements in the wider context and I see them predominantly as a stepping stone to the long overdue electrification of the TransPennine Express route. I will continue to hold the Government’s feet to the fire to ensure that they deliver on their commitment to upgrade this vital piece of infrastructure and do so as soon as possible. I will also carrying on pressing the case for rail links to Leeds Bradford Airport and a new station at Haxby, which have the power to further unlock economic growth in our area.”
Pictured: Julian at Poppleton Station.
For more information on the contracts, visit:
http://www.arriva.co.uk/media/news/2015/09-12-2015
http://www.firstgroupplc.com/about-firstgroup/uk-rail/transforming-transpennine-express
