A new Northern service will be introduced between York, Malton and Scarborough from April 1st 2016. It will provide an hourly service (14 trains per day), in addition to TransPennine Express’ existing hourly service, therefore doubling the frequency of the route.
The Secretary of State for Transport, Patrick Mcloughlin, announced these new franchises in the House of Commons on Wednesday (9th December). Kevin Hollinrake MP said ‘’this is great news for train users in Thirsk and Malton because it means that the new services, along with the continued commitment and investment in improving the region’s infrastructure, will mean that rail journeys in the North of England will undergo the biggest transformation in decades. The franchises provide an unprecedented package of improvements over the next four years that goes above and beyond the ambitious plans the Government set out in its specifications in February."
In addition to this, new secure cycle parking spaces and bus passenger information screens will be installed at Malton, Northallerton and Thirsk stations.
These improvements – together with the Government’s commitment and investment in transport infrastructure across the north– will help the region realise its full economic potential and build the Northern Powerhouse.
The new franchises will transform the quality and capacity of rail services, helping to keep Thirsk and Malton connected.
Further details about the awards can be found online at www.gov.uk/dft.