Northern and TPE to be transformed

摘要

The ITTs for the replacement Northern and TransPennine Express franchises, published by DfT on February 27, confirm that both will start on April 1 2016. TPE will run for seven years, with a two-year extension option, whilst Northern will run for nine years with a one-year extension, again solely at the discretion of the Secretary of State. Shortlisted bidders for TPE (RBI469 p1) have until May 28 to submit their bids, and for Northern the deadline is June 26. Contract award for both franchises is scheduled for 'late 2015'.