Demise
In 2000 the Strategic Rail Authority announced that it planned to create a new TransPennine Express franchise transferring Arriva Train Northern's long distance regional services with the remainder to be combined with those of the Regional Railways North West franchise to form a new Northern Rail franchise.
On 28 July 2003 the Strategic Rail Authority awarded the TransPennine franchise to First/Keolis with services operated by Arriva Trains Northern transferring to First TransPennine Express on 1 February 2004.
On 1 July 2004 the Strategic Rail Authority awarded the Northern franchise to Abellio/Serco with the remaining services operated by Arriva Trains Northern transferring to Northern Rail on 12 December 2004.
Read more about this topic: Arriva Trains Northern