A NEW operator has been awarded the rail franchise which operates services in Cumbria. 

Arriva has been awarded the Northern rail franchise - with the promise of major improvements to Cumbrian rail services, it has been announced.

The company says its bid was based on ambitious plans to drive improvements and transform rail travel in the North of England through a £1bn investment programme.

Arriva says that by 2019 brand new 100mph trains will be in operation for services connecting Barrow and Windermere to Manchester and its airport.

The Northern franchise's services include the Cumbrian Coast line between Carlisle and Lancaster via Whitehaven and Barrow, and the Carlisle-Newcastle and Carlisle-Leeds routes.

Arriva’s plans for the Northern franchise in detail: 

· Substantial investment in new and refurbished trains: The introduction of 281 new carriages, the full refurbishment of the remaining fleet and the removal of all Pacer trains within three years. 

· More services and faster journeys: Over 2,000 more trains each week – an increase of 12 per cent across the Northern network by 2019 - with more frequent, earlier and later trains offering passengers greater choice. Beginning in December 2017, new timetables will provide 100 new through journey opportunities across Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Sheffield and other regional hubs. 

· More capacity: With more and longer trains there will be a 37 per cent increase in peak time capacity. 

· Significant station improvements: Investing in station facilities to make rail travel simpler and more comfortable by giving customers easier access to information and providing new seating and waiting areas. 

· Value for money and choice: Creating easier ticketing options which include new advanced and off-peak fares – alongside improved retailing at stations providing customers with more ticket purchasing options. 

· Connecting customers: Launching in 2019 with new trains, enhanced inter-urban Northern Connect services will provide faster city connections with free WiFi. 

· Northern employees: 45 currently unstaffed stations will be staffed while there will be extended opening hours at 54 locations.