West Coast interim deal with Virgin confirmed: Passenger Focus response
28 March 2013
Today the Department for Transport has announced that it has reached an agreement with Virgin Trains to run the West Coast franchise for up to 23 months while a new franchise is let.
Passenger Focus chief executive Anthony Smith said:
“Passengers will welcome the stability this deal will bring. We look forward to working with Virgin and the Department for Transport to secure extra passenger improvements in this period, on top of what is already promised.
“Statistics out today show that the railways are continuing to attract record numbers of passengers. This is definitely not the time for a ‘fallow period’ – some of the promised investment from a new, longer term franchise can be started on now.”
Notes to Editors
- Passenger Focus is the official, independent consumer organisation representing the interests of rail users nationally and bus, coach and tram users across England outside London. We want to make a difference for rail, bus, coach and tram passengers.
- For further media enquiries, please contact:
Sara Nelson, Head of Communications
0300 123 0820 / sara.nelson@transportfocus.org.uk
