01.07.16
New South Western operator must significantly reduce journey times by 2020
The new South Western franchise will be granted to a bidder who is able to significantly reduce journey times, the DfT has indicated in its newly published invitation to tender, and work to make the Island Line a “self-sustaining business”.
The invitation to tender (ITT) says that the successful franchisee should reduce journey times “above and beyond” the train service specification.
Specifically, this should include procuring rolling stock which can achieve a maximum station dwell time of 45 seconds at stations where the current dwell time is over a minute, and 30 seconds at other stations, by 2020.
The minimum seating requirement is 540 on a 200m train, or 488 on the main suburban or Windsor Lines inner suburban services, while limiting provision of First Class seats.
Island Line future
The ITT also requires the successful bidder to work with the Isle of Wight Council to ensure that the Island Line can become a “self-sustaining business”.
Local campaigners have raised concerns in the past that the line will be abolished under the new franchise, and the DfT has published plans suggesting that it eventually wants the line to become a separate business.
Devolution
The ITT also says that the new franchisee should work with stakeholders, including Transport for London, to ensure that any required devolution “is delivered in a way that minimises disruption, maintains passenger experience and ensures a smooth transition”.
The Office of Rail and Road has indicated that it supports greater railway devolution, with proposals to introduce separate regulation for each of England’s eight geographical routes.
The successful bidder is also required to embed the new Rail Industry Sustainable Development principles in its management of the franchise, including creating a sustainable development strategy and an independently evaluated sustainable procurement strategy.
FirstGroup and MTR have formed a joint venture to bid against current operators Stagecoach for the South Western franchise.
Despite the government’s efforts to promote greater competition in railway franchise bids, South Western is not the only major franchise to have just two bidders competing. MTR announced last month that it is withdrawing from its bid to take over the West Midlands franchise, meaning that the only other competitors are London Midland and West Midlands Trains.
The successful bidder for the South Western franchise will be announced in February 2017 and take over services in June.
(Image c. Alvey and Towers)
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