Fares, rail policy and DfT news

01.09.20

FirstGroup granted extension of the EMA for Great Western Railway

The Department for Transport has reportedly extended financial help for Great Western Railway.

The company FirstGroup, which runs the GWR trains from Paddington to Wales and the likes of Cornwall and Devon, has said the Emergency Measures Agreement (EMA) has been prolonged until June next year.

Since lockdown began in March, numerous rail operators have been contending with low passenger numbers.

The EMA was originally signed with the DfT to continue operating GWR until March 2023, with a possible one-year extension, and is due to expire in September.

Operators have been in talks with the government about further support for the industry in order to keep trains running and increase capacity as schools and businesses reopen.

The EMA meant changes to franchise agreements, shifting all revenue and cost risk to the government.

Operators instead run daily services for a small, pre-determined management fee.

Matthew Gregory, Chief Executive of First Group said: “We welcome the news of the extension of the EMA for GWR. This demonstrates the essential nature of GWR’s services to the communities it serves, and provides important clarity and continuity for our customers, employees and wider stakeholders.

“Across the network we are increasing service levels to provide more capacity as schools recommence and work and leisure facilities reopen, and we are taking all necessary steps to ensure our passengers continue to travel safely.”

Image: Balfour Beatty/First electric train from Cardiff to London 

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