Passenger Voice August 2015: You and your train company
30 July 2015
Latest franchise competitions announced
Last month the Department for Transport (DfT) updated its Rail Franchise Schedule and announced key dates for three new franchise competitions outlined below.
West Coast
The competition to run this franchise, currently operated by Virgin Trains, will begin in December. The contract is due to start in September 2017.
West Midlands
The competition to run this franchise, currently operated by London Midland, will also begin in December, with the contract due to start in October 2017.
South West
Stagecoach, the current operator of South West Trains, had been in talks with the DfT regarding proposals for a short-term contract to run services until 2019. However, the two parties were unable to reach an agreement so the DfT has decided instead to tender for a new contract to begin in June 2017. The competition will open this November.
London Overground bidders shortlisted
On 29 June, Transport for London announced that four bidders have been shortlisted to run London Overground from November 2016, when the current contract with the operator LOROL expires.
The shortlisted bidders are:
- Arriva Rail London Limited
- LoKeGo Limited (a joint venture between Keolis (UK) Limited and Go-Ahead Holding Limited)
- Metroline Rail Limited
- MTR Corporation.
