10.10.16
‘Turning point’ as north east convenes rail franchise oversight board
A “turning point” in rail devolution has been reached, local government leaders said as they convened a board to oversee promised improvements to rail services in the north.
The North East Rail Management Board had its first meeting on 5 October, where members discussed the timetable for delivering changes to Northern services Arriva had promised when it took over the franchise in April.
Among other changes, Arriva said it would get rid of the outmoded Pacer trains, increase train services from 16,000 a week to 18,000, and introduce free wi-fi across the network.
Cllr Nick Forbes, the leader of Newcastle City Council and lead member for transport at the North East Combined Authority, said: “This marks a turning point for local rail as for the first time we can hold a franchise to account directly for the services they provide, here in our region.
“Rail devolution is about delivering real benefits for passengers through replacing the notorious Pacer trains, introducing more frequent services and making stations batter places.
“We have secured these commitments from government and the franchisee and through the new North East Rail Management Board we will make sure they are delivered.”
The board was established as part of a one-of-a-kind agreement between the DfT and local authorities, and includes representatives from the North East Combined Authority, the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA), Cumbria County Council and North Yorkshire County Council.
It oversees all Northern train services in Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, County Durham and the Tees Valley, including those running as far as Carlisle in Cumbria, and from Middlesbrough to Whitby in North Yorkshire.
Cllr Bill Dixon, chair of the TVCA Transport Committee and leader of Darlington Borough Council, said: “For too long passengers across the North have struggled with inadequate services and lack of investment. The Tees Valley Combined Authority now has an exciting opportunity to make a real difference in improving rail services across the region.
“We look forward to working in close partnership with the franchise operator in a way that has not been possible previously in order to ensure they deliver the improvements in services and facilities that are much needed for rail travellers in Tees Valley.”
(Image c. Civity)
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