We believe that through train services linking Barrow-in-Furness, Ulverston, Grange-over-Sands and Arnside with Manchester and its Airport are of immense value to local people, businesses and for economic growth in the region. The trains support the vital tourism industry and provide access to employment and leisure opportunities for residents of south Cumbria. We wish to express our concern over proposals to remove many of the through services from 2014 and potentially cancel them completely from 2015.
We therefore call on:
- First Transpennine Express to revise its proposed timetable for 2014, which would remove many of the through services between Barrow-in-Furness and Manchester Airport;
- The Secretary of State for Transport to commit to retaining at least a similar number of through services in the franchise specification for the replacement Transpennine franchise.