Stagecoach Group PLC South Western Rail Franchise (0435O)
February 04 2016 - 2:14AM
UK Regulatory
TIDMSGC
RNS Number : 0435O
Stagecoach Group PLC
04 February 2016
4 February 2016
SOUTH WESTERN RAIL FRANCHISE
Stagecoach Group plc ("Stagecoach") is pleased to confirm that
it has been shortlisted by the Department for Transport ("DfT") to
receive an Invitation to Tender for the new South Western rail
franchise.
The South Western franchise serves parts of Berkshire, Devon,
Dorset, Hampshire, Surrey, Wiltshire and the Isle of Wight. Nearly
1,700 trains a day serve more than 200 stations. Around 14% of all
passenger journeys in the UK are made on the South Western network,
which serves both commuter and leisure markets.
Stagecoach, which has operated the network under the South West
Trains brand since 1996, is one of two bidders to have
pre-qualified for the new franchise.
The Invitation to Tender ("ITT") for the franchise is expected
to be published in the next few months. The new franchise is due to
start in 2017 when the current South West Trains contract comes to
an end.
Stagecoach Group Chief Executive Martin Griffiths said: "We are
proud to have been trusted to run the South Western network for the
past 20 years. The continuity of one operator understanding and
serving passengers and local communities has been key, helping
transform the network and attract millions of new customers to rail
travel.
"Over the past two decades, we have introduced an entire new
fleet of trains and invested in other major passenger improvements.
We have worked in close partnership with Network Rail to deliver a
more integrated railway. Our expertise has helped government
develop a long-term vision for our rail network. We have also
returned hundreds of millions of pounds to the taxpayer to reinvest
in public services.
"But more work needs to be done. The next franchise requires a
transport operator which fully understands this complex network,
grasps the massive challenges ahead, and has a track-record of
delivery and working effectively with industry partners. Our
experience means we are well placed to see that job through.
"Our vision is for a railway that is more responsive, and built
around each customer, their priorities and their communities. 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. Delivering industry-leading
transport innovation and a step-change in customer service will be
central to our proposals."
The DfT has started consulting with passengers, businesses and
local councils on the specification for the new South Western
franchise. It has yet to confirm the length of the new contract.
The consultation runs until 9 February 2016.
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Analysts
Ross Paterson, Finance Director 01738 442111
Bruce Dingwall, Group Financial
Controller 01738 442111
Media
Steven Stewart, Director of 01738 442111 or
Corporate Communications 07764 774680
NOTES TO EDITORS
Stagecoach Group
-- Stagecoach Group is an international public transport group, with extensive operations in the UK, mainland Europe,
the United States and Canada. The Group employs around 39,000 people, and operates around 13,000 buses, coaches,
trains and trams.
-- Stagecoach is one of the UK's biggest bus and coach operators with around 8,500 buses and coaches. The Group's
business includes major city bus operations in London, Liverpool, Newcastle, Hull, Manchester, Oxford, Sheffield
and Cambridge. Low-cost coach service, megabus.com, operates a network of inter-city services across the UK and
continental Europe
-- Stagecoach is a major UK rail operator, running the South West Trains, Island Line and East Midlands Trains
networks. It has also partnered with Virgin to run the East Coast and West Coast inter-city rail franchises.
-- Stagecoach operates the Supertram light rail network in Sheffield.
-- In North America, Stagecoach operates around 2,400 buses and coaches in the United States and Canada. megabus.com
directly links over 130 key locations in North America. Stagecoach is also involved in operating commuter,
transit, contracted, charter, airport shuttle and sightseeing services.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
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