FirstGroup and Stagecoach have been shortlisted for the next South Western franchise.
The franchise, which begins in June 2017, includes services operated out of London Waterloo to Reading, Bristol, Exeter, Weymouth and Portsmouth.
The franchise also cover the Island Line on the Isle of Wight.
Rail Minister Claire Perry said: “The South Western franchise has some of the busiest routes in the country, serving a diverse range of passengers and places.
“It is vital that we have the best partner to help us meet the challenge of delivering better journeys for all customers using these services.
“We are investing in additional capacity, and have ambitious plans for smart ticketing, customer service and improved connectivity across the South Western network, to give passengers real benefits across the region and beyond.”
Why do we have fixed term franchises? Why not a regular review, at which point if the franchisee is not up to standard then others can be considered?
I guess you are right Roland.
I think that First Group could win the bid to take over the South Western franchise and there for First Group could also win the bid to take over the Greater Anglia franchise.