The Department for Transport is looking to obtain a Direct Award for the Northern franchise (Northern Trains Limited).
The current contract expires on the 1st March 2022 after the Department for Transport took over from Arriva Rail North on 1st March 2020.
Now, the Department for Transport is looking to obtain a Direct Award for the franchise to continue operating the franchise for up to 5 years, with a fixed period of 2 years.
Northern has approached the completion of its train refurbishment programme whilst introducing new trains to the network.
The operator runs train services across the North, through Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, the Lake District, Lancashire, Yorkshire and the Humber.
In a document released by the Government today, it says services would remain similar to those currently operated by Northern Trains Limited. The document also listed possible services between Carlisle, Clitheroe and Blackpool North.
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