Nottingham City Council is looking forward to working with Arriva Rail North Limited following the Department for Transport’s announcement of the successful Northern Rail franchise bidder on 10 December, 2015.

The extensive Northern Rail network links Nottingham to Sheffield, Leeds, Manchester, York, Bradford, Preston and Blackpool.

City Council Portfolio Holder for Jobs, Growth and Transport, Councillor Nick McDonald, said: “The Northern Rail Franchise service links Nottingham to the Northern Powerhouse and is crucial for passenger and freight connectivity. It will offer better rail services for passengers and gets things moving towards out Midlands Connect ambitions, to maximise economic growth potential and create more jobs in the region through better transport links.

“Arriva Rail North Limited won the bid on the basis of committing to the modernisation of rolling stock, including new battery-electric trains, doubling the number of services on many routes and improving commuter, off-peak and Sunday services and providing substantial investment to improve stations. This will make services more sustainable and comfortable for Nottingham passengers.

“We look forward to working in partnership with Arriva Rail North Limited to make sure that future Northern Rail developments deliver the best possible services for Nottingham businesses and passengers.”

Arriva Rail North Limited will begin operating train services from April 2016.