MTR has welcomed the start of the franchise bidding process for the Thameslink and Essex Thameside routes.
The Department for Transport (DfT) published the Pre Qualification Questionnaires (PQQs) for both franchises on Monday, and MTR will be submitting responses to both for the 9 February deadline.
Jeremy Long, CEO – European Business, said:
“MTR’s experience here in the UK with London Overground, and on commuter railways around the world, means we are well placed to deliver the value for money railway the Government wants to see.
“We are delighted that the franchising process is now formally under way and we will be submitting our responses early in February.”
In the UK, MTR co-owns the very successful train operating company LOROL which has brought London Overground services to the top of the UK train operating performance league tables.
MTR recently announced its intention to bid in the next round of UK railway franchise competitions – starting with bids for the Thameslink and Essex Thameside franchises.
