SUNDERLAND transport company Arriva has promised to create more than 400 jobs if it is awarded the Trans-Pennine Express rail franchise.
The group is one of three companies competing to run the route, which runs from Newcastle to Manchester and Liverpool.
Chief executive Bob Davies has written to parliamentary candidates across the North outlining its proposals.
The company plans to invest more than £2.25bn during the 20-year franchise to buy new rolling stock and improve the service.
The 400 jobs would com,e within the first ten years.
Connex, which lost its franchise on the Southern Central network, is also shortlisted and is thought to be the favourite to win the contract. A consortium involving transport operator FirstGroup and Via GTI, subsidiary of the French state railway, is also in the running.
The Strategic Rail Authority is due to announce its decision on the franchise after the General Election.
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