§ David DavisTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans his Department has for improvements in rail transport in East Yorkshire. [140559]
§ Dr. HowellsThe Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) is creating two new franchises to serve Yorkshire. The TransPennie Express franchise will commence early next year, with planned investment of around £260 million which will include a new fleet of trains. Local and regional services will be provided by the new 'Northern' franchise, the competition for which is well under way. The SRA is considering proposals from four counterparties and expects to announce a preferred bidder in the Spring. The SRA will consult on an East Coast Main Line Strategy early next year, and has 203W announced a series of Regional Planning Assessments (RPAs) to form the basis for planning rail services over the next 5–20years. The RPA for Yorkshire and the Humber is planned for publication in Winter 2005.