4th Feb 2016 07:55
LONDON (Alliance News) - Stagecoach Group PLC and FirstGroup PLC on Thursday said they had been shortlisted by the UK Department of Transport to compete for the next South Western rail franchise.
Both FTSE 250-listed companies said they would be bidding for the new franchise, due to start in 2017 when the current contract with Stagecoach comes to an end. Stagecoach currently operates the network under the South West Trains brand.
The franchise, which FirstGroup are bidding for under the name First South Western Trains Ltd, covers routes and stations between London Waterloo, Reading, Bristol, Exeter, Weymouth and Portsmouth.
"The South Western franchise plays a crucial role in keeping people moving and communities prospering across the region. We are developing an innovative and value for money proposal that will deliver better connectivity and significant improvements for customers, said First Rail Managing Director Steve Montgomery.
Stagecoach has operated the franchise since 1996.
"Our vision is for a railway that is more responsive, and built around each customer, their priorities and their communities," said Stagecoach Chief Executive Martin Griffiths.
"We look forward to working with local stakeholders on developing plans to tackle overcrowding, boost punctuality and deliver better, more connected and more accessible journeys," Griffiths added.
The Department for Transport said it has started consulting passengers, businesses and local councils on the specification for the new franchise. The consultation runs until February 9.
By Hannah Boland; [email protected]; @Hannaheboland
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