PRESSURE group the Campaign for Better Transport has urged companies bidding for the Northern and Transpennine rail franchises to up their game.
Its West and North Yorkshire Rail Group has called for a series of improvements including introducing a more simple fare structure, renewing rolling stock, reducing overcrowding, and providing better service frequency, reliability, connectivity and integration.
It is also supporting calls for the rapid extension of electrification of the network to gain faster and cheaper services and the environmental benefits of lower emissions.
Colin Speakman, chairman of Campaign for Better Transport in Yorkshire, said: “It is essential all bidders make provision to handle increased demand over the franchise periods and indeed adopt marketing strategies that encourage rail to be a preferred mode to car”.
Companies shortlisted to run the Northern are Arriva, Govia and Northern.
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