29.03.12
Franchise bidders announced
Bidders have prequalified to run services on the Great Western, Thameslink, and Essex Thameside franchises. 13 firms are in the running for the three contracts, rail minister Theresa Villiers announced.
“Our reformed approach to franchising will give more flexibility to train operators on how they configure services and run their business, within a framework set by the franchise agreement which will protect key outcomes for the passenger, the taxpayer and the economy,” Villiers said.
She continued: “The new Great Western franchise operator will be closely involved in improving rail services following the completion of the electrification and Intercity Express projects.
“The new Thameslink operator will help oversee the completion of the Thameslink project which will enable a near doubling of capacity into and through central London in the peak periods.
“The operator of Essex Thameside services will be expected to support economic growth along the Thames Gateway.”
The contracts for the Great Western and Essex Thameside franchises will run for 15 years, and the Thameslink contract will be 7 years with the potential to extend this by 2 years.
First Group has pre-qualified for all three franchises. Chief executive Tim O’Toole said: “As the current operator of two of the franchises – First Great Western and First Capital Connect – we have a strong track record of delivery and investment in our rail operations.”
Bidders for Great Western franchise:
· First Great Western Trains Limited (FirstGroup plc)
· GW Trains Limited (Arriva UK Trains Limited - DB (UK) Investments Limited)
· NXGW Trains Limited (National Express Group PLC)
· Stagecoach Great Western Trains Limited (Stagecoach Group plc)
An invitation to tender is expected in May 2012. It is anticipated that the successful bidder will be announced in December 2012, with the contract commencing in April 2013.
Bidders for Essex Thameside franchise:
· Abellio Essex Thameside Limited (NV Nederlandse Spoorwegen)
· First Essex Thameside Limited (FirstGroup plc)
· MTR Corporation (Essex Thameside) Limited (MTR Corporation Limited)
· NXET Trains Limited (National Express Group PLC)
An invitation to tender will be issued in June 2012. It is anticipated the successful bidder will be announced in January 2013, with the contract commencing in May 2013.
Bidders for Thameslink franchise:
· Abellio Thameslink Limited (NV Nederlandse Spoorwegen)
· First Thameslink Limited (FirstGroup plc)
· Govia Thameslink Railway Limited (Go-Ahead Group plc and Keolis SA)
· MTR Corporation (Thameslink) Limited (MTR Corporation Limited)
· Stagecoach Thameslink Trains Limited (Stagecoach Group plc)
An invitation to tender will be issued in October 2012, with the successful bidder announced in May 2013. The contract is expected to commence in September 2013.
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