Extra trains promised in new Transpennine Express deal
First Group retains franchise and will introduce Glasgow - Liverpool service.
Train passengers between Glasgow and the north-west of England and Scotland have been promised a "world class'' service with the announcement that the First Group has retained the TransPennine Express franchise.
The deal will deliver brand new, state of the art high-speed trains extra services from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Motherwell and free Wi-Fi on trains and at stations. UK Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “We promised passengers in Scotland a world class cross-border rail service - and I’m delighted that we have found an operator that will deliver exactly that. As a one nation government we are committed to closing the economic gap between north and south, and ensuring that Scotland continues to benefit from being part of a strong United Kingdom.
“First Trans Pennine Express Limited went far beyond our requirements with exciting, ambitious plans that will make a real difference to customers, and help Scotland and the north of England realise its full economic potential by ensuring it has a modern 21st century transport system.”
The operator will invest more than ÂŁ400 million in new rolling stock across the franchise, and in Scotland, they will introduce:
31 brand new, state of the art 125mph trains - equivalent to 155 carriages - running on cross-border services on the East Coast and West Coast Main Lines
A new, direct Liverpool to Glasgow service from December 2018, with new electric trains
Additional services from Manchester to Glasgow and Edinburgh from December 2017, including stops at Motherwell, plus extra weekend services
Free Wi-Fi on trains and at stations by July 2018, with media servers on trains providing entertainment and information to smartphones and tablets
Discounted advance fares for 16- to 18-year-olds and jobseekers