Franchise Bidders Announced

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Dedicate to campaigning to retain an appropriate "TransWilts" passenger train service ... Swindon - Chippenham - Melksham - Trowbridge - Westbury - Dilton Marsh - Warminster - Salisbury ... and to other services too

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May 24, 2012, 10:07:27 AM

Recommended service - hourly, according to the GWRUS. Let's work towards that service and towards ensuring all services are used.

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Preffered bidders for the Cross Country , West Midlands & East Midlands Franchises have been announced (links below.)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/5359452.stm
http://www.rmtbristol.org.uk/2006/09/three_vie_with_virgin_for_rail.html#more

Here is a link to a First corporate press release on this.
http://www.firstgroup.com/corpfirst/press/pressreleasestory.php?id=224

Here are some quotes :

"First is the only operator to run InterCity, commuter, regional, sleeper, open access and freight rail services."

“We will also pay particular attention to addressing overcrowding on many Cross Country and certain East Midlands services.” (where would the rolling stock come from?)

"The new East Midlands Franchise will be formed from the current Midland Mainline franchise and a set of services transferred from the current Central Trains franchise."

"The New Cross Country franchise will be formed from the current Cross Country franchise and a set of services transferred from the current Central Trains franchise."

"Central Trains operated a mix of regional, local and commuter services through middle England and required significant subsidy."

Here is a link to the Stagecoach press release on this.
http://www.stagecoach.com/scg/media/press/pr2006/2006-09-19/

Without wishing to express a preference , and noting that the First press release mentions "Continuing our consultation with stakeholders" & "improving all aspects of customers’ journeys" , there is a difference of tone in the Stagecoach press release.

“The East Midlands franchise is an excellent opportunity to expand our rail portfolio by delivering improved services for passengers in a region of the UK with significant growth potential."

“VRG is in a strong position to build on its success in transforming the existing Cross Country franchise by further driving up performance, improving customer satisfaction and attracting even more new passengers to the country’s truly national rail franchise."

“We look forward to working closely and with local stakeholders and the DfT during the franchising process to maximise the opportunities for growth from these rail networks.”

Bear in mind also that VRG (Virgin Rail Group) is a joint venture between Stagecoach Group and the Virgin Group of Companies. VRG operates the existing Cross Country franchise and the West Coast franchise.

Tender invitations have been issued for the new Cross Country , East Midlands and West Midlands rail franchises (links below.)
http://www.rmtbristol.org.uk/2006/10/tenders_for_cross_country_east.html#more
http://www.gnn.gov.uk/environment/fullDetail.asp?ReleaseID=238497&NewsAreaID=2&NavigatedFromDepartment=False

Interesting quotes :

"Snow Hill services: In addition Chiltern Railways (M40 Trains Ltd) are being invited to submit a separate proposal for the Snow Hill services to Birmingham."

"Penzance and destinations in the South West will continue to be served by the same number of Cross Country trains and a new contractual commitment to operate summer services between the North East and North West of England to Newquay."

"Timetable changes - West Midlands franchise. The timetable operated until December 2008 will be similar to today. Bidders will be asked to price an option for the retention of the Walsall - Wolverhampton service from December 2007."

From 2008 services changes include :

"A broadly hourly new London - Crewe semi-fast service, serving Trent Valley stations, Stone and Stoke on Trent."

"Curtailment of the current hourly Birmingham - Walsall - Cannock - Stafford service at Rugely Trent Valley, with a connection at Rugely Trent Valley with the London - Crewe semi-fast service. Bidders are also required to improve Rugely Trent Valley station."

"A dedicated London and Kettering service will be introduced from December 2008, which will pave the way for the extension of London trains through to Corby if a new station is given the go-ahead."

"A new station, East Midlands Parkway, will be serviced by London - Nottingham services and will get at least 2 trains per hour"

"DfT has not included all off-peak services between Market Harborough and London in the specification. More popular peak time services will remain and will become faster at the 2008 timetable change. Bidders are free to propose running off-peak services." (click on http://www.savethetrain.org.uk/forum/index.php?topic=342.msg991#msg991)

The Stakeholder Briefing Documents for all 3 franchises can be found in the links below.
http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_railways/documents/page/dft_railways_613536.doc
http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_railways/documents/page/dft_railways_613535.doc
http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_railways/documents/page/dft_railways_613537.doc

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