Shortlisted Bidders announced for Northern & Transpennine Express franchises

Head Office Circular No. NP/165/14/MC

To the Secretary all Branches,
Council of Executive members,
Regional Councils and Regional Offices.

Tuesday 26th August 2014
Dear Colleagues,

Shortlisted Bidders announced for Northern & Transpennine Express franchises

On 19th August the DfT announced the shortlisted bidders to run the 2 franchises which are:

Northern:
•    Abellio Northern Ltd
•    Arriva Rail North Limited
•    Govia Northern Limited

TransPennine Express:
•    First Trans Pennine Express Limited
•    Keolis Go-Ahead Limited
•    Stagecoach Trans Pennine Express Trains Limited

It is interesting to note that the current operator of Northern is a joint venture by Serco and Abellio. Both operators bid separately for the Northern franchise but Serco has not been shortlisted. This also brings into question Serco’s suitability to run the Caledonian Sleeper franchise.

RMT is continuing to campaign against the proposals from DfT and Rail North. I will keep you advised of developments.

Yours sincerely,


Mick Cash
Acting General Secretary