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Mike Ranson   31/08/2012 at 17:23

I am stunned that they took this away from virgin. As far as i am aware, First group have slackened on the Thameslink and GWML. (Not performed) Virgin have done more for british commuting than any other TOC. I would also question the claims that First make and how the Uk government claim that it is deliverable and they can move far more passengers than Virgin. They cannot run more services as there is no space on the WCML to run more. They cannot carry more passengers as there is no space. I fear, that they will take tables out of coaches and then remove toilets to make more space for passengers. And the more obvious point, is that a few more million quid on offer into the pockets of the MP's and Government purse. It's down to the money in the end but i do hope virgin win their case. There has to be a very large brown envelope somewhere in the system.

Rob Marriott   31/08/2012 at 17:29

I am with Mike on this one - Whilst I acknowledge Neils position on the bid process( and lets face it no one likes to be a losing bidder) it is easy to beat processes with theoretical figures . What the bid process must do is interrogate and challenge what is offered rigourously and apply risk idicies to the outcomes from the challenges - in this process they must take into account the companies performance on other franchises which from a number of comments - not just mine - seem to be less than impressive.