FirstGroup wins new franchise
TRANSPORT company FirstGroup and France's largest private transport operator, Keolis, were today awarded the new TransPennine Express rail franchise, which covers some of the busiest routes in the north of England.
The two companies form a consortium, FGK, which is set to run the franchise from early next year. The pair immediately unveiled plans for a new timetable, faster trains and renovation of all 30 stations to be managed under the deal.
The services, which are currently run by Arriva Trains Northern and First North Western, include routes to major cities such as Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Leeds and York.
The consortium's bid, which beat competition from troubled operator Connex, includes plans for a £260m investment programme which is expected to create about 200 jobs.
The plans aim to replace the entire fleet with 100mph trains to give faster and more comfortable journeys, improve staff training and customer service, and develop integration between trains, trams and buses.
The franchise will run for eight years from early 2004, with the option to extend it for another five years, the Strategic Rail Authority said.
An estimated 13 million passenger journeys a year will be made on the franchise routes, according to the consortium.
SRA chairman Richard Bowker said the franchise would give passengers what they wanted. 'When we talk about Britain's railway, properly delivered, this is what we mean.
'This franchise will deliver better trains with better performance, improved services and more capacity - the things that matter to passengers.'
Moir Lockhead, chief executive of FirstGroup, said he was 'delighted' to have won the franchise.
'Together with our partner Keolis, I am confident that we can provide a high-quality service that will contribute to the economic growth of the region and provide an attractive alternative to the car.'
Keolis director Jean-Pierre Deghaye added: 'We have exciting plans and look forward to developing them in partnership with the SRA, passenger transport executives, county and district councils and other stakeholders in the region.'
FirstGroup currently operates the First Great Eastern, First Great Western and First North Western franchises. Keolis in consortium with Go-Ahead Group as part of Govia, holds the franchise of South Central Trains and Thameslink Rail.
