2006-09-22 Department for Transport announces winner of South Western franchise (Department for Transport)

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date 15 April 2003
source Strategic Rail Authority
type Press release

Today, Invitations to Tender were issued to the three pre-qualified bidders for
the Greater Anglia Franchise. Detailed proposals are due to reach the
Authority by 1 September 2003.

Passengers on the new Greater Anglia network will be the first to benefit from
the SRA's new model contract - incorporating clearer rewards and penalties
for key indicators like train and station cleanliness, security and passenger
information - when the franchise is let in Spring 2004.

SRA Chairman Richard Bowker said:

" Today marks a watershed in passenger rail franchising by providing clarity
about what we expect to see delivered to passengers. The Greater Anglia ITT
is based on accountability of operators and quantifiable delivery of services to
their customers."

" The new franchise agreement is the result of co-operation and consultation
across the whole industry, from train companies to passenger groups.
Presented with clear and achievable performance measures, operators know
that their innovation and creativity will be encouraged and rewarded within a
stable operating and financial environment."

Notes to Editors

1. The Greater Anglia franchise will combine the existing Anglia and
Great Eastern franchises, and the West Anglia (Liverpool Street)
services from the WAGN franchise (including Stansted Express). The
new franchise will achieve passenger service and operational benefits
through combining all Liverpool Street services, but the successful
operator will also be required to provide a separate management focus
for local East Anglia services. The new franchise will commence after
the end of current franchises in 2004. It will be the first to result from
SRA's policy of one operator for each major London terminal.
2. The SRA's new franchising policy for the passenger rail industry was
announced in November 2002. It defines a new form of partnership
with the franchisees focused on delivering reliable services, meeting
passenger needs and containing short and long -term costs. The new
approach provides certainty for both existing and new investors in the
rail industry.
3. Arriva Trains Ltd, GB Railways Plc and National Express Group PLC
were confirmed by the SRA as bidders for Greater Anglia on 1 April
2003.

Railhub Archive ::: 2003-04-15 SRA-001