Virgin runs West Coast to 2017
The West Coast Mainline will be run by Virgin Trains until at least 2017, it's been announced.
Virgin awarded temporary West Coast rail line
Sir Richard Branson's rail company Virgin Trains will carry on running services on the West Coast Mainline for a further 23 months, it was announced today.
Virgin had been set to lose the West Coast franchise it has operated since 1997.
Transport Secretary apologises for 'very serious' flaws in West Coast fiasco
The Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin has appeared before MPs enquiring into the 'shambles' of the West Coast mainline rail franchise.
He repeated his apology for the 'very serious' flaws in the process which led to it being scrapped last month.
A senior official appearing alongside him denied there was evidence of' bias' in the department against Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group.
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Transport Secretary apologises to taxpayer
Transport Secretary and Derbyshire Dales MP Patrick McLoughlin has told MPs today that mistakes over West Coast should not have been made.
Read the full storyWest Coast Mainline contract
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin to give evidence into West Coast Mainline contract.
Read the full storyUpdate expected today on West Coast rail fiasco
The Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin will update MPs later today on the West Coast rail franchise fiasco.
The department was forced to scrap the deal with First Group when it was discovered that civil servants had made "unacceptable mistakes" during the tendering process. Virgin trains are running the line on a provisional basis.
Labour claim West Coast mainline will cost more
The Labour Party have claimed that taxpayers could be left with an even-bigger bill for the West Coast mainline competition failure.
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Labour Transport tweet their feelings on the West Coast Main Line deal
Transport Secretary is mishandling this rail crisis. He must rethink his decision to ask DfT Board members to run the 'independent' inquiry.
From @labourtransport on Twitter:ITV News has more details.
Virgin Trains thank customers for their support
Virgin Trains thanks customers + staff for their support. We'll work hard to ensure we continue to provide the service. http://t.co/e8L5AWwo
From @VirginTrains on Twitter:ITV News has more details.
Virgin Trains keep West Coast Main Line contract for now
Virgin Trains has been asked to keep operating the West Cost Main Line service for between 9 to 13 months.
Read the full storyVirgin Trains will run West Coast mainline for at least 9 months
Virgin will continue to run train services on the West Coast Main Line temporarily after securing an extension.
Sir Richard Branson's company will remain in control of the line for between nine and 13 months before interim and long-term providers are decided upon.
