The Department for Transport (DfT) has controversially extended the Virgin Trains West Coast rail contract after an apparent delay to the commencement of the new franchise.
The current contract was itself an extension of a franchise that ran out earlier this year, and was due to expire on 1 April.
The deal allowed the possibility of an extension to ensure that services would continue until the new, wider West Coast Partnership (WCP) begins.
The WCP, under which the successful bidder will also oversee the introduction of HS2 services from 2026, was due to begin in September, according to the Invitation to Tender.
Last March, transport secretary Chris Grayling said that the new franchise ‘will deliver immediate benefits to passengers’.
The September 2019 start date appears to have been scrapped, although the DfT has not made a public announcement on the change.
Questioned by Transport Network, the DfT declined to confirm that it is still aiming for the September start date but said it is committed to commencing the franchise in 2019.
A spokesperson said: 'We are calling the extension for 12 months to 1 April 2020; with an option to terminate earlier than April 2020, as required, to align with the start of WCP.'
The spokesperson added: 'This contract extension provides the Department with flexibility on the contract start date, to ensure the smoothest possible transition for passengers from the current operator to the West Coast Partnership.'
In September, the chair of the Commons Transport Committee strongly criticised ministers over the failure of the Virgin Trains East Coast franchise which, like the current West Coast franchise, is jointly run by Virgin and Stagecoach. The contract had to be taken back into the public sector with little sign of repercussions for the private operators.
Register now for full access
Register just once to get unrestricted, real-time coverage of the issues and challenges facing UK transport and highways engineers.
Full website content includes the latest news, exclusive commentary from leading industry figures and detailed topical analysis of the highways, transportation, environment and place-shaping sectors.
Use the link below to register your details for full, free access.
Already a registered? Login
