‘No Growth’ Franchise has kept growing, despite low expectations and the recession

Northern Rail was considered to be a ‘no growth’ franchise when it was let in December 2004 by the Strategic Rail Authority. However, booming economies in the north of England, coupled with new urban planning policies and improvements in punctuality, have led to patronage increasing by 35%, outstripping the industry average.

In the first year alone, a 10% rise was recorded, and during the recession, when patronage was falling at the majority of operators, Northern also outperformed...