TRANSPORT group Arriva has announced it is looking to increase its sector of the rail network by bidding for the new Northern rail franchise

The Sunderland-based company has confirmed it is following its bid last month for the Transpennine route, by tabling its plans to combine local and passenger transport executive services currently run by Northern Spirit and First North Western.

The services in the region covered by the new franchise include routes from Morpeth down to York not served by the East Coast mainline of Transpennine services.

Chief executive Bob Davies said: "This would be an excellent opportunity for Arriva to develop existing relationships with the five key passenger transport executives which will be served by the new Northern rail franchise.

"It will also give us the opportunity to improve standards and service on the more rural lines within the franchise area."

Arriva, the new owner of train operator Northern Spirit is currently putting the finishing touches to its bid for the Transpennine Express franchise, which is due to be presented to the shadow Strategic Rail Authority (SSRA) early next month.

As part of that bid Arriva has unveiled proposals to open up the under-used east coast section of track from Sunderland down to York, offering more passengers a direct service to Manchester and Liverpool.

The group has also unveiled its proposed Customer Charter with customer care standards which it says will "revolutionise" rail travel.

The charter spells out key intentions including paying cash refunds for customers if their train is 30 minutes late.

Nigel Patterson, MD of Arriva's Northern Spirit division, said: "There will be continuous improvement and innovation to meet future demands."