The case for Northern Rail

Northern Rail’s new management duo, Ian Bevan and Steve Butcher, speak to James Dark about their strategy

Northern Rail managing director Ian Bevan (left) with Steve Butcher, chief operating officer and deputy managing director

Northern Rail managing director Ian Bevan (left) with Steve Butcher, chief operating officer and deputy managing director

Passengers at Leeds Station. On some corridors, 70% of peak commuter trips into Leeds are by rail

Passengers at Leeds Station. On some corridors, 70% of peak commuter trips into Leeds are by rail

A Northern service departs from Whitehaven on the Cumbrian Coast

A Northern service departs from Whitehaven on the Cumbrian Coast

When the Northern Rail franchise was formed in December 2004 with the amalgamation of the First North Western and Arriva Trains Northern companies, it was against the backdrop of a review which was expected to lead to some significant service cuts, fare rises or both. In virtually the same breath as the contract was awarded to the Serco/Abellio joint venture, the Strategic Rail Authority initiated a study which was designed to find ways to reduce the £2.4bn subsidy Northern had been...