TransPennine Express (TPE) has now launched its Customer and Community Improvement Fund (CCIF) with £2.8million of funding available.
Over the next four years the train company will support schemes across the North of England and Scottish communities it serves to further improve the travelling experience for customers.
CCIF provides the opportunity for Local Enterprise Partnerships, Local Authorities, local community groups, organisations and charities to propose schemes that address the wants and needs of customers, while also improving the links between the railway and the towns and cities it connects. It also enhances the station and on-board environment and enables seamless and inclusive travel for all.
TPE is looking for schemes that will benefit local communities whether they enhance the onboard or at station experience, help improve access to the railway or help those that lack confidence when using rail services.
CCIF funding is split into two phases, with £1.4million available for the first batch of schemes to be delivered between April 2019 and March 2021, and the remaining £1.4million available for projects taking place between 2021 and 2023.
Proposals can be submitted online, with applicants required to set out the expected benefits of the scheme, cost breakdown, match funding contributions, and a timeline for delivery.
The closing date for submissions is Sunday 4 November 2018.
All submissions will be collated and reviewed by an internal panel prior to submission to Rail North Partnership for approval.
Louise Ebbs, Strategy Director from TransPennine Express commented; “We’re proud to launch our Customer and Community Improvement Fund (CCIF) as the next round of investment in our railway.
“With £2.8million to invest, we can deliver some truly fantastic projects working in collaboration with the customers who travel with us and the communities we serve. We want a broad range of schemes, so we’d encourage anyone with a project in mind or an idea for how their station or service could be improved to get in touch.”
David Hoggarth, Strategic Rail Director for Transport for the North, said: “Our railways form a vital part of the fabric of our communities and schemes like this help ensure they can be accessible and of value to all who live and work in and around them. This scheme provides a great opportunity to bring to reality ideas that could make a real difference to people’s lives.”
This fund is in addition to the significant investments already being introduced by TPE including the delivery of brand new Nova trains as well as £27million already invested in developments at stations.
More information about the fund, and details of how to apply can be found at www.tpexpress.co.uk/ccif
