Fears over cross-country trains amid rail review

Franchise had been put up for renewal but will now be extended

Plans to improve train journeys between Aberdeen and the south of England have been shelved amid a massive review of the UK’s rail industry.

The cross country service between the city and Penzance, in Cornwall, is operated by Arriva UK but the contract had been put up for renewal next year.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling previously expressed hopes that a

And Mr Clark voiced hopes that review would spur on a promised £200 million investment from the Scottish Government to speed up journey times between Aberdeen and central belt.

A government spokeswoman said the review would not place the cross country service at risk.

‘ROOT AND BRANCH REVIEW’: The Aberdeen to Penzance route is run by Arriva UK but had been due to go out for renewal next year

Lewis MacDonald