Just looked up when franchises are to be awarded as I've noticed that the recruitment has slowed right down, here's what I found ....
A joint Rail North – Department for Transport Working Group has developed the detail of the size and scope of the new Northern and TransPennine franchises.
Public consultation on the new franchises took place in summer 2014, and replies helped inform the final shape of the new franchises.
The new franchises will commence in April 2016.
The delay in rail re-franchising means that two Direct Franchise Awards will have to be made by the DfT: one to cover Northern services, which started in April 2014 and one covering TransPennine Express services from April 2015.
The dates below may change as more details become available, but the current milestones (February 2015) are:
Decision on shape of franchises announced January 2014
Direct Award for Northern franchise announced 25 March 2014
Public consultation on franchises specifications from 6 June until 18 August 2014
Pre-qualification of bidders announced 19 August 2014
Rail North becomes a legal entity September 2014
Invitations to Tender issued 27 February 2015
Direct Award for TransPennine Express franchise March 2015
Bids returned mid 2015
Preferred bidders announced end 2015
Franchises commence 1 April 2016
so from when a franchise begins there isnt a massive amount of time to when they have to start bidding again.... and recruitment slows down, keeps them on their toes but long term planning goes out of the window really.