Franchise News
First TransPennine Express franchise extended to 2015
First TransPennine Express has welcomed the Department for Transport's decision to extend its franchise.
The eight year franchise which was due to end on 31 January 2012, will now run for a further three years and 2 months until 1...
Franchise News
Virgin Rail confirms ‘discussions with DfT’ to extend West Coast franchise
Virgin Rail Group has confirmed that it is in discussions with the Department for Transport (DfT) regarding an extension to the current West Coast rail franchise agreement.
VRG is a joint venture between Virgin Group and Stagecoach and operates the...
Franchise News
New Intercity West Coast rail franchise delayed
As well as welcoming Sir Roy McNulty's report, the Government has also today outlined its intentions for the future re-letting of the Intercity West Coast franchise which operates services between London and Scotland, serving Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool and North...
Franchise News
Union calls for Government to ‘ban’ First Group from franchise
The RMT has demanded that the government ban First Group from bidding for Great Western and any other rail franchises after it emerged that their 'early termination of the current contract has saved them £826 million that was due...
Franchise News
Watchdog: First Great Western franchise needs to ‘improve’
First Group has announced that it will not be taking up the option to extend the First Great Western franchise for a further three years.
Commenting on the decision, Anthony Smith Passenger Focus Chief Executive, said:
"With today's news that First...
Franchise News
FirstGroup aims for longer-term First Great Western franchise
FirstGroup has said it will not take up the option to extend its First Great Western franchise for three years beyond 2013 so it can bid for a longer-term deal.
The Group intends to 'bid for new long-term Greater Western...
Franchise News
Watchdog calls for ‘enhanced commuter services’
London TravelWatch has responded to the Government’s consultation on the future of the InterCity West Coast franchise with its aspirations for rail passengers using the line into, out of and through London and its surrounding area.
London TravelWatch recommend:
Consideration should...
Franchise News
New operator sought for Greater Anglia rail services
The Government has set out the level of service it expects from companies bidding to run rail services in Greater Anglia, following today’s publication of the invitation to tender document for the short 17-month franchise.
The new operator will take...
Franchise News
Atkins to advise DfT on InterCity West Coast franchise
Atkins has been appointed technical adviser to the Department for Transport for the InterCity West Coast franchise replacement programme.
The existing franchise, operated by Virgin Trains, will expire in March 2012 with the Department now inviting bids from potential operators...
Franchise News
Passengers have their say on West Coast rail franchise
Passenger Focus has called on the Government to ensure that the new West Coast rail franchise, currently run by Virgin Trains, is based on passengers’ needs and priorities.
Commenting on government’s progress to appoint the next operator to run the...
Latest News
ORR review leads to 50% reduction in maximum fees for ticket refunds
New rules will mean that from 2 April the maximum fee that train operators and ticket retailers can charge...