HISTORIC PRESS RELEASE : Building a Better Railway: SRA Shortlists Four for Wales and Borders Franchise [February 2001]

The press release issued by the Strategic Rail Authority on 15 February 2001.

The next step towards establishing a new passenger rail franchise for Wales and Borders was taken today as the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) shortlisted four parties to prepare Best and Final Offers.

The shortlisted parties are:

· Arriva plc (franchisee of Northern Spirit and Merseyrail) in conjunction with Connex Transport UK Limited (franchisee of South Eastern, and also South Central).

· FirstGroup plc (franchisee of Great Eastern, Great Western and North Western).

· National Express Group plc (franchisee of nine operations including Wales and West, Cardiff Railway and Central Trains).

· Serco Rail (division of Serco Limited, manage the Manchester Metrolink and other rail technical services).

When let, the franchise will comprise most services currently operated within Wales by the Wales and West, Cardiff Railways (ValleyLines), First North Western and Central Trains franchises

Mike Grant, SRA Chief Executive, said:

“This has been a very popular competition, with a good range of proposals received.  I anticipate a tough competition to operate this new franchise, and the SRA will be working hard to use that process to extract the best possible deal for passengers.”

“The SRA has pressed hard over the past couple of months to separate those services that will transfer to the new Wales and Borders franchise, and to enable them to operate  together from later this year as an interim arrangement.  This is intended to simplify the transition for passengers and staff, paving the way for the creation of the new franchise”.