Govt announces bidders for rail franchise contracts

Date: 2/4/2012

The government has announced which firms are in the race to operate the Great Western, Thameslink and Essex Thameside rail franchises.

Rail Minister Theresa Villiers revealed 13 companies are in the running and among them are First Great Western Trains Limited (FirstGroup), NXGW Trains Limited (National Express Group), First Essex Thameside Limited (FirstGroup) and Stagecoach Thameslink Trains Limited (Stagecoach Group).

The purpose of the franchises is to create safer stations, make more convenient methods of buying tickets and introduce improved train services.

Ms Villiers said the changes will benefit passengers, taxpayers and the British economy as a whole.

"A vibrant and competitive market for franchises is an important part of our strategy for improving services for passengers and reducing the cost of running the railway," she added.

Previously calling on rail passengers to have their say on how the franchises will be operated, the minister said the government has been in control of the UK's train services for too long.

Posted by Mary Treen