HISTORIC PRESS RELEASE : SRA’s TransPennine Express Moves Forward [September 2001]

The press release issued by the Strategic Rail Authority on 14 September 2001.

The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) has welcomed Transport Secretary Stephen Byer’s announcement today that it should move forward with proposals for a new TransPennine Express franchise.

The franchise has been developed by the SRA to provide fast, frequent and high quality intercity train services on this important freight and passenger route between major population centres in the North of England.

The SRA will now start formal consultation with five local Passenger Transport Executives (PTEs) regarding the franchise. Once this process is completed, the three shortlisted parties for the franchise will be asked to resubmit their proposals, taking account of revised baseline requirements and potential additional passenger benefits identified during the consultation.

Mike Grant, SRA Chief Executive, said:

“We are pleased that the Minister has endorsed the TransPennine Express concept, which the SRA has been developing since June 2000. The franchise will deliver tangible benefits to travellers in the North of England, with fast and frequent services within the congested M62 corridor. We can now move forward to further refine the franchise proposition, following discussion with the Government and the Passenger Transport Executives.

“Today’s announcement will assist in the further development of the new Northern franchise, incorporating the regions’ rural and urban services”.