The troubled German based Arriva held the franchise which was set to continue to run until 2025 but this morning they have had it stripped away from them by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.
With effect from the 1st of March 2020, Northern will revert to government control following years of disruption, cancellations and frustrations to passengers using the service.
Shapps said:
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“This is a new beginning but it is only a beginning. Northern’s network is huge and complex and some of the things that are wrong are not going to be quick or easy to put right.”
Northern have issued the statement below on their social media accounts:
Services will not immediately be affected or be seen to improve but for the foreseeable future the franchise will be operated by an arms-length company staffed by managers with experience of the rail network - who will report directly to the government. And a cross-industry task force will work to address the complex issues that have befell Northern.
Improvements will not happen overnight but the failures which have plagued travellers will be remedied as soon as possible according to sources.
One of the main contributors to Northern's problems is its ancient rolling stock and infrastructure which cripples its ability to cope at peak times. The government will have to work hard and invest if it wants to see improvements.
Shapps admitted that the privatised model was not working, saying:
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“We know change is needed and change is coming.”
Edited by KARL
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