DfT reveals franchise runners & riders

24th Mar 2011 07:45

Rail and bus operators are rushing out statements celebrating being on the shortlists for the east and west coast UK rail franchises.Stagecoach Group has welcomed the announcement by the Department for Transport that its joint venture group, Virgin Rail, has pre-qualified to bid for the new West Coast rail franchise, which is expected to start in April 2012.Virgin is the current operator of the franchise which is due to expire in March 2012.It will be in competition with FirstGroup."We intend to offer compelling and innovative proposals to deliver high quality and attractive services for customers and improved value for taxpayers," a statement from FirstGroup said. Meanwhile, Tony Collins, Virgin Rail group chief executive, said: "We now look forward to see what the government includes in the tender for the franchise. We intend to submit a very strong bid to retain the West Coast franchise, building on the investment and customer improvements we have made.." Over on the other coast, Go-Ahead Group professed itself delighted to have been shortlisted for the Greater Anglia Rail Franchise. "Greater Anglia is an excellent fit with our existing rail portfolio of Southern, Southeastern and London Midland," claimed Go-Ahead's chief executive, Keith Ludeman.The Greater Anglia Franchise is currently operated by National Express as National Express East Anglia and is due to end on February 5, 2012.The company will be competing against Stagecoach Group for the franchise.