FirstGroup to turn Pennine route into profit-maker

Rail passengers in the Pennines were promised a better service on Wednesday morning, with the announcement that FirstGroup would continue to operate the franchise until at least 2023.

The Trans Pennine franchise has been jointly held by FirstGroup and Keolis since 2004, but the new franchise - due to start in April 2016 - would be operated solely by First.

Under the terms of the franchise, the Trans Pennine railway would turn from a subsidised service to a profit-making venture. FirstGroup promised to deliver £303m real net present value to the government over the core period.

FirstGroup also committed to overseeing £500m of investment over the life of the franchise. Part of this included a full refurbishment of current rolling stock, and a promise of 44 new trains.

New trains were already a given for the region, however, with the announcement in September that electrification of the line would re-commence and make the current diesel stock obsolete.

"Our plans include investment in new and refurbished trains on every part of the network, with millions more seats available, free Wi-Fi and simpler smart and mobile ticketing, allowing us to build on the success we have had over the past 11 years, in which we have more than doubled passenger journeys on the network" said FirstGroup chief executive Tim O'Toole.

Secretary of State for Transport, Patrick McLoughlin, added that the new franchise would contribute to the government's so-called 'Northern Powerhouse' vision.

"First Trans Pennine Express will deliver exciting, ambitious plans that will make a real difference to customers, and - coupled with our commitment to push ahead with electrifying the vital TransPennine route - will help the region realise its full economic potential, ensuring it has a modern 21st century transport system."

In addition to new trains and Wi-Fi, FirstGroup was also to come under scrutiny for its basic service provision, with a target to reduce delays and cancellations by 27%.