A multi-million pound competition to run rail services through the Thames Valley has been scrapped. Instead, First Great Western who currently run the franchise on the Great Western Mainline will continue to run trains for up to another three years.
Southern and First Capital Connect's franchises in Surrey and Sussex are also being delayed.
Rail fiasco could cost taxpayers millions and delay improvements
Read the full storyFirst Group has responded to the Government's rail franchise announcement this morning
– Tim O’Toole, Chief Executive, First Group“The extension of First Great Western and First Capital Connect provides continuity and consistency for our passengers and enables us to continue to deliver considerable improvements. At both these franchises everyone has worked tirelessly to enhance services and we have a record of successfully delivering major projects.
“We have also taken significant steps to tackle overcrowding, although there is still much to do on these routes which are among the most congested in the country. Today’s announcement will also allow us to work closely with the DfT and our industry partners.”
The Transport Secretary has issued this statement following the Government's rail franchise announcement today:
– Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlinThese plans mark an important step on the way to restarting the franchising programme, and while I am determined this should happen as quickly as possible we do need time to get this right.
We have had to take some tough decisions regarding franchising, and while they may provide a challenge in the short term, I believe the lessons we have learnt will help deliver a more robust system in the future benefitting fare payers and taxpayers alike.
As always our priority is to ensure these changes will not impact on services or our commitment to improving the railways.
Train companies in the south are to have franchises to run services extended by two years following the fiasco over West Coast, the Government has just announced.
Franchising decisions include:
Negotiations will commence with current train operator c2c for an interim contract of up to 2 years.
Negotiations for an additional two-year contract will commence with the operator, while longer-term proposals will be set out in the spring
The current Thameslink/Great Northern franchise operated by First Capital Connect ends in September but allows for a 28-week extension, which the department intends to exercise.
Negotiations will commence for a further contract of up to 2 years as part of the finalisation of the wider franchise programme
In parallel with negotiations with existing operators to continue running their services, directly operated railways will also be undertaking the minimum necessary preparations to take over services in case terms cannot be agreed.
Train companies in the south are to have franchises to run services extended by two years following the fiasco over West Coast, the Government has just announced.
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