HISTORIC PRESS RELEASE : Six Pre-Qualify for Northern Rail Franchise [March 2002]

The press release issued by the Strategic Rail Authority on 21 March 2002.

The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) today announced that six parties have successfully pre-qualified as bidders for the Northern Rail franchise, which will operate urban and rural services across the North of England from 2003. The parties are:

ARRIVA Trains Limited
FirstGroup plc jointly with Keolis SA
National Express Group PLC
Connex Transport UK Limited
GB Railways Group Plc
Serco Ltd

The SRA is currently consulting formally with Passenger Transport Executives on the exact service specifications for the new 15-year franchise. Once this process is complete, the pre-qualified companies will be given 60 days to prepare detailed proposals, during which time the SRA will also consult with other statutory stakeholders. It will then select a shortlist of companies, who will be invited to submit their best and final offers. From these a preferred bidder will be selected, with whom a new franchise agreement will be signed.

Richard Bowker, SRA Chairman, said:

“The strong field that has assembled to bid for this key regional franchise again illustrates the enthusiasm and commitment to invest in the railway that exists within the private sector. This new, long-term franchise will provide a better management focus on urban and rural services across the North of England, bringing real benefits for passengers.”