HISTORIC PRESS RELEASE : SRA Begins Consultation on Combining Rail Franchises [March 2002]

The press release issued by the Strategic Rail Authority on 12 March 2002.

The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) today began formal consultation on its proposal to combine rail franchises that share major London stations.

The SRA believes that reducing the number of franchises at some of these stations would make better use of existing capacity, improve punctuality, reduce complication for passengers and improve business efficiency. The policy was first proposed in December 2001.

Two separate but related consultation documents have been issued. The first document seeks views on the overall principle of reducing operators at the major London termini – either in the near future or in the longer term – and what impact it may have in each case. Stations considered are Paddington, Euston, Waterloo, Liverpool Street, Kings Cross, St Pancras, and Victoria. Consultees include the rail industry, the London Transport Users Committee, Transport for London and the Greater London Authority.

The second document seeks views on how this policy should apply specifically to the major London stations and franchises serving Western England. Regarding Paddington, views are being sought on the possible combination of the current Great Western and Thames Trains franchises. Regarding Waterloo, comments are sought on whether Waterloo to Exeter and Reading to Brighton services should remain with South West Trains, or be transferred to Wessex Trains as previously envisaged. Finally the document seeks views on the best long-term option for services currently operated by Wessex Trains if this transfer of routes does not take place. Consultees include the rail industry, Rail Passenger Committees, local and regional authorities and MPs.

Chris Austin, External Relations Director for the Strategic Rail Authority, said:

“We proposed this new policy in December because we believe that reducing the number of train companies, particularly those that share access to a major London station, can significantly improve punctuality as well as simplify the service to passengers. Over the next twelve weeks we will be seeking the views of passenger representatives, rail companies and other key players on these proposals. We will then weigh these views very carefully before moving the policy forward.”