UK rail operators Network Rail, Northern Rail and First TransPennine Express (FTPE) have entered into a partnership to provide planned improvements for the rail network in the north of England over the next five years.
A formal collaboration agreement to this effect was signed by all the three companies.
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Developed by the Rail Delivery Group, the formal agreement has been designed to improve efficiency by putting whole life costs at the centre of the planning and delivery of work.
The three companies will together develop capacity improvements at Leeds station and in the east Leeds area, which are expected to be completed by spring 2019.
Network Rail Route managing director Phil Verster said: "We have exciting plans to increase services in to and around Leeds over the next five years.
"These plans are vital if we are to meet demand for services, which continues to grow ahead of forecasts.
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By GlobalData"Investment in rail is expensive and this agreement sets out a formal framework to allow us to share resources and reduce inter-railway compensation costs in order to maximise value for money."
The terms of the agreement align with Office of Rail Regulation’s requirements for the development of all CP5 enhancement projects.
Image: Leeds City railway station. Photo: courtesy of Chris McKenna.
