Unions have called for an end to the rail privatisation “fudge” after the Government claimed failing Northern’s franchise was over.
Officials say financial figures show it is doomed to failure soon after years of late, cancelled and overcrowded trains.
Speaking at Leeds station yesterday, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Essentially, it’s the end of the franchise.”
But he then hinted it could be kept running on a short-term contract, sparking union anger.
Mick Cash, of the RMT, said: “This is just another fudge by the Tories on Northern, but it proves, without a doubt, their private franchise model for our railways is finished.
“The whole privatisation experiment, which has reduced our railways to chaos, must now be consigned to the dustbin of history.”
Mr Shapps said he was evaluating “a number of options” to keep Northern running, including a short contract or renationalising it.
Labour’s Shadow Transport Secretary Andy McDonald said: “The Government should get on with it and bring track and train together under one company in public ownership.”
Northern, a subsidary of German-based Deutsche Bahn, covers the North West, North East, Yorkshire and the Humber.
