Rail investment plans welcomed by county council

Lancashire County Council has welcomed the announcement that new franchises for rail services across the north will see significant investment, resulting in better connections, faster journeys and more room for passengers on peak-time trains.

Benefits promised include 120 new-build carriages and modernisation of existing trains, longer trains with more seats, free WiFi on all journeys by 2020 at the latest, increased numbers of services on each day of the week and weekend, plus a £30m pot to upgrade stations.

County councillor John Fillis, Lancashire County Council cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "I warmly welcome the publication of the Invitation to Tender (ITT) documents for the Northern and Trans Pennine franchises.

"For Lancashire this should mean investment in new and refurbished rolling stock, better train services that take advantage of the investment in the Northern Hub and associated electrification schemes, improved facilities at stations and increased funding for Community Rail Partnerships. "Officers already have had a positive dialogue with bidders for the two franchises and this will continue to ensure they fully take into account Lancashire's needs."