A TRANSPORT union is ramping up its campaign over the future of two of the North’s key rail routes.

The RMT says jobs and services are at risk and fares could rise under new franchises for the Northern and TransPennine Express (TPE) routes.

The rail union says it is trying to protect the routes and is “hitting the new year running” with its campaign.

On Monday (January 5), supporters will gather at 11 stations across the North, including Newcastle and Harrogate, to drum up support for its five key messages: say no to driver-only operated trains, keep ticket offices open, keep stations staffed and safe, stop cuts to the TPE and oppose massive fare increases.

The Government is in the process of awarding new franchises for the Northern and TPE routes, which serve towns, cities and 15 million people across the North, to run from February 2016.

Consultation ended last August but the process has been dogged by delays.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said the timetable had “descended into chaos”.

Further, the Government has been accused of backsliding on its pledge to replace the unpopular and ageing Pacer trains, disparagingly dubbed “cattle trucks”, still used by Northern Rail.

In his autumn statement, Chancellor George Osborne said invitations to tender for the two franchises would specify a “substantial package of upgrades including new services and modern trains in order to phase out the outdated Pacer trains”.

However, the RMT claims a shortage of rolling stock means they could be replaced with 30-year-old former London Underground trains.

Mr Cash said: “Our message is clear, the fight to stop the outrageous attack on jobs, safety and services under the Northern and TPE franchise plans continues in 2015 and the union is sending out the clearest possible signal to George Osborne, his Government and Rail North that they need to scrap this attack on transport operations and to cut the hot air about improving services when they are actually condemning the North to years of rail misery.”

The Northern Echo has launched the Right Lines campaign to push for a better rail service for the North-East.

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