TRANSPORT group Arriva, which operates the Trans-Pennine Northern Spirit train route through East Lancashire, has been short-listed for a new rail franchise in the Netherlands.

Sunderland-based Arriva, in a joint venture with German national rail and regional bus operator Deutsche Bahn, is one of four bidders for the HSL-Zuid high speed rail project.

Arriva has been shortlisted for the new Trans-Pennine Express rail franchise which will service East Lancashire from next year. It already operates in the Netherlands.