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THE DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT today announced the transfer of Manchester International Airport - Blackpool North services from the Northern Rail franchise to the Trans Pennine Express (TPE) franchise.
TPE have been providing these services under contract to Northern Rail since December 2004. The change will take affect from June 2006 and the new trains will start to come into service from the end of this year.
Rail Minister Derek Twigg said:
"We're entirely satisfied with the way that Northern Rail operated services to and from Manchester Airport. The transfer will serve to improve the robustness of rail operations in the north-west and facilitate the introduction of new rolling stock "
"Passengers using the line will not see a reduction in services or changes to the timetable because of this transfer and will benefit from the introduction of new trains."
Notes to editors
1. Franchise Agreements with Northern Rail and TPE will be amended to take account of the transfer.
2. Northern Rail will continue to operate the stations along this route.
Public Enquiries: 020 7944 8300 Department for Transport Website: http://www.dft.gov.uk
