31.10.17
Arriva out of running for Wales and Border franchise
Arriva Trains Wales are no longer competing to run the next Wales and Border Franchise, after the company withdrew their bid today.
The company – along with Abellio Rail Cymru, KeolisAmey and MTR Corporation – were invited to submit final tenders for the franchise to the Welsh Government last month.
However, Arriva’s exit from the process confirms that the franchise will definitely change hands when it ends in October 2018, as the company is the current contract holder.
“We have been notified that Arriva Group have withdrawn from the bidding process for the next Wales and Borders franchise,” explained Tom Joyner, recently appointed managing director of Arriva Trains Wales.
“Our key priority following this announcement is to continue to focus on the delivery of our services for the people and communities that depend on us for the remainder of the current franchise, including a £1m Arriva Trains Wales investment in additional trains which will be introduced in 2018.
“We will continue to work closely with our government and industry partners to support them with the delivery of their priorities.”
A Transport for Wales spokesperson added: “It is not uncommon for bidders for major projects to withdraw during the tender process and Arriva have been clear they have done this for their own commercial reasons.
“With final tenders due later this year, we have three companies with world-class credentials each putting their own, distinct cases for how they will deliver the ambitious objectives we set, with the goal of delivering a step change in rail services for passengers across Wales and the Borders.”
The shortlist for a new operator was announced in October last year, with extra work available in the form of South Wales Metro construction and improvement.
Top image: Phil Noble - PA
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