| answer text |
<p>Under the terms of their Franchise Agreement Arriva Rail North (ARN) were required
within 12 months of the start date of the franchise to consult with passengers, user
groups, Network Rail, other train operators who operate along the affected routes
and other relevant Stakeholders on the potential demand for passenger services on
Boxing Day and produce a report. This was submitted to the Rail North Partnership
team and highlighted that the direct cost of operation would exceed the estimated
revenue, and raised concerns regarding access due to significant engineering activity
traditionally carried out at this time of year.</p><p> </p><p>Separately ARN’s Franchise
Agreement requires the operation of a minimum of 60 services on Boxing Day from 2018.
However, Northern raised concerns about their ability to operate a service on Boxing
Day 2018, mainly due to engineering possessions along the routes they wish to operate,
and have asked for a derogation until the following year to the current Franchise
Agreement which is currently being considered.</p><p> </p><p>Under the terms of their
Franchise Agreement TransPennine Express (TPE) were required within 12 months of the
start date of the franchise to consult with passengers, user groups, Network Rail,
other train operators who operate along the affected routes and other relevant Stakeholders
on the potential demand for passenger services on Boxing Day and produce a report.
This was submitted to the Rail North Partnership team and recommended that there may
be an opportunity to work jointly with ARN and RNP to agree to use funds allocated
in the Franchise for future service initiatives (the Service Options Fund) to provide
a trial service for a future Boxing day, with terms of such a trial being pre-agreed
between the parties.</p><p> </p><p>Unlike ARN, TPE has no obligation under its Franchise
Agreement to provide Boxing Day services. Opportunities for funding and delivering
such services in the future will be considered alongside other franchise enhancement
opportunities.</p>
|
|
