A MASSIVE two billion pound rail investment package has been promised by the operators of York-based Northern Spirit - if it retains the franchise currently up for grabs.

The cash injection could see journey times from York to places like Manchester Airport slashed dramatically.

Today is the deadline for bids to win the right to operate trains on TransPennine routes for the next 20 years and there are seven contenders vying to take over the service from Arriva.

Arriva has revealed a £1.8 billion investment in new trains and service levels and economic benefits of £2 billion in its bid.

Delivered today to the Shadow Strategic Rail Authority (SSRA), Arriva's bid - entitled Arriva Transpennine - promises to transform the current service into a long distance, high-speed InterCity operation.

A £1.2 billion investment in rolling stock could see more than 100 faster, quieter, new trains (513 vehicles) introduced over the franchise period, reaching possible top speeds of 110 mph and 125 mph.

Arriva chief executive Bob Davies said: "Our bid is an exciting proposal for the transformation of the existing TransPennine Express service to full InterCity status.

"We see our bid as being for the region, from the region. The economic benefits have a present value of £2 billion and we will be providing people with a real and viable alternative to travelling by car and coping with congestion on the M62, other motorways and trunk roads."

The other bidders are: Connex Rail; First Group; National Express; Virgin Rail; Serco; Via GTI and Group 4.