West Midlands franchise – Transport Focus response

30 August 2016

Commenting on the West Midlands franchise invitation to tender, Transport Focus passenger director David Sidebottom said:

“Passengers across the West Midlands rail network tell us that their key priorities for improvement are better value for money services and the ability to get a seat on frequent, punctual services.

“It is essential that any new franchise puts passengers’ interest at the heart so it’s good to see that extra carriages are to be introduced to manage overcrowded services, new ticket deals for part-time commuters and the requirement for a quick and simple Delay Repay compensation scheme, including for delays over 15 minutes.”

Background

Publication of the invitation to tender for the West Midland franchise represents an important step in the progress of the franchise competition as it sets out the framework for bidders to develop proposals for better journeys for passengers.

Transport Focus’s submission to the consultation on the franchise can be found here.

The Department for Transport’s West Midland franchise stakeholder briefing document can be found here.