Rail passengers using First Trans Pennine Express services are to benefit from the introduction of free wifi at the franchise’s major stations.
The move is one of the improvements announced by the Department for Transport as part of the deal to extend the current franchise, which operates across northern England and Scotland, with First Group and Keolis until April 2016.
The current franchise had been due to end on March 31 but it has been extended by one year to allow time for the bidding process for the awarding of the next franchise to take place. First Group is one of three short-listed bidders alongside Keolis Go-Ahead and Stagecoach.
Other improvements to be introduced over the next year on the Trans Pennine network will include increased capacity on services between York and Liverpool, and the introduction of “smart” ticket machines at Huddersfield station.
Rail minister Claire Perry said: “We are determined that passengers shouldn’t have to wait to see much-needed improvements. This agreement with First Trans Pennine Express will make a real difference to passengers, paving the way for the next franchise to further develop a railway the north of England is proud of.”
Planned enhancements to be implemented by the new franchise from 2016 will include more capacity on trains, increased frequencies and services, and free wifi onboard trains by 2020.
First Group’s chief executive Tim O’Toole said: “Today's agreement with the Department for Transport provides continuity and consistency for First Trans Pennine Express passengers over the next year, as we focus on continuing to deliver great customer service and introducing improvements ahead of submitting our bid for the new franchise later in the spring.”