The British government has released the names of three bidders who will be invited to submit proposals to operate the InterCity East Coast franchise from 2015.
First Group is the only standalone company to pass the pre-qualification stage, with Keolis/Eurostar and Stagecoach/Virgin joint ventures also through to the next stage of the competition.
The Department for Transport (DfT) said potential operators will need to “consider how they intend to use the latest high-tech trains, built in the UK by Agility, to deliver more passengers to more of the UK’s biggest cities faster and in greater comfort”.
Rail Minister Stephen Hammond said: “Giving passengers more will be at the heart of the new East Coast franchise. That means new services and journeys that are faster, more punctual and more comfortable. When these companies are developing their proposals they should be looking at ways to innovate and grow the service.”
Revealing the shortlist, the DfT said it planned to issue the invitation to tender by the end of February at which point the operators will have three months to submit their bids.
East Coast services have been operated by the government’s Directly Operated Railways since 2009, following the withdrawal of National Express.
I’ve worked for all three, in my opinion Virgin was easily the best company to work for as Dick Branson throws excellent staff parties at his house, Eurostar get told what to do by the trade unions & first group are grumpy pink uniform lovers.
With the UK government seemingly in total favour of the private-sector running all rail services, it is strange that they have shortlisted the Keolis/Eurostar consortium. Keolis (who will be the partner to actually run the franchise) are 70% owned by SNCF and Eurostar are also part-owned by SNCF. This would surely mean that, if the consortium are the successful bidders, the franchise will continue to be run within the public – sector, albeit French not British.