The Northern and TransPennine rail franchises will fall under greater local control, thanks to a formal agreement signed by transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin and Rail North officials, an organisation made up of 29 local transport authorities.

The move is part of a programme of wider devolution across the region in a bid to realise chancellor George Osborne’s vision of a ‘northern powerhouse’. Rail North will now work with the Department for Transport through a single strategic board, and will be closely involved in managing both franchises when they are re-awarded.

The TransPennine franchise is open for bids until May 28th, and the Northern franchise until June 26th.
Mr McLoughlin said: “Rail North has already been actively involved in the design of the future Northern and TransPennine Express franchises, which will see rail services in the north of England transformed to support economic growth. This agreement is a significant step towards full devolution.”