ARRIVA has delivered its bid for the new Trans-Pennine Express rail franchise to the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA).
The 20-year plan details a total investment of more than £2.25bn in new trains and service levels and commits Arriva to providing a network of high speed, high quality, inter-urban services across the North of England.
It would create 200 jobs by 2004 and another 200 in its first ten years. Arriva would introduce 220 new vehicles by 2006, rising to 417 by 2020.
Faster journey times and a higher level of train frequency are key features of the bid.
Arriva Trans-Pennine would introduce a programme of station upgrades and improvements to customer service facilities to enhance the experience of rail travel.
Arriva chief executive Bob Davies said: "Our proposals represent a comprehensive response to the SRA's requirements.
"Arriva Trans-Pennine is an exciting proposal which we believe will speedily create an attractive rail service for the north of England.
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