Shadow Strategic Rail Authority

Change of control for MTL franchises
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date 18 February 2000
source Shadow Strategic Rail Authority
type Press release

A change of ownership for the Northern Spirit (NS) and Merseyrail Electrics (MEL) passenger rail franchises, both previously operated by MTL Rail Ltd, was agreed in principle by Mike Grant, Franchising Director and Chief Executive of the Shadow Strategic Rail Authority today.

With effect from 00.01 hours on Friday, 18 February 2000, the new owner of these networks will be Arriva plc, whose group will hold the franchise rights for twelve months to 18 February 2001. The SSRA is currently conducting a competitive programme of franchise replacement negotiations. Arriva have assumed ownership on the understanding that both Northern Spirit and Merseyrail Electrics will be renegotiated on this basis, following expiry of their twelve month tenure.

Merseyside Passenger Transport Executive, co signatory with the SSRA on the MEL franchise, have also given their consent in principle to the change. Services on both networks will be maintained at current levels. There will be no change to the levels of operating subsidy contributed by the SSRA and the local Passenger Transport Executives in West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, Tyne & Wear, and Merseyside, which also remains as originally negotiated with MTL.

Note to Editors

The Franchising Director's approval is subject to completion of legal documentation which, once completed, will be placed on his public register.

Railhub Archive ::: 2000-02-18 SRA-001