Date: 09/12/2015

Widespread improvements to trains in the north of England and Scotland have been promised with the announcement of new contracts for two rail franchises. The Northern Rail franchise is being awarded to Arriva Rail North Ltd, while TransPennine Express is going to First Trans Pennine Express Ltd. The Department for Transport said the deals would see the introduction of 500 new carriages. The outdated and unpopular Pacer trains would also be phased out. [From Mark Bartlett]

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£1.2bn boost to northern rail journeys

Widespread improvements to trains in the north of England and Scotland are promised with the announcement of new contracts for two rail franchises.