Tag: 2002

The press release issued by the Strategic Rail Authority on 7 February 2002.

The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) today announced the start of formal consultations with Passenger Transport Executives (PTEs) on the specification for the new 15 year Northern Rail franchise, developed to provide a better pattern of regional and local services for passengers in the North of England.

The franchise has been structured by the SRA to focus on urban and rural services serving the whole of the North of England including the major population centres of Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield, York, Leeds and Newcastle.

The SRA will now start formal consultation with the seven PTEs concerned on the detail and scope of the franchise. Once this process is completed, the pre-qualified counterparties will be asked to prepare proposals, taking account of the core franchise proposition and potential enhancement options identified during the consultation.

Welcoming the start of the process, Richard Bowker, SRA Chairman, said:

“We are pleased to be moving ahead with the Northern Rail concept, which the SRA has developed in tandem with its new TransPennine Express franchise. Northern Rail will deliver significant benefits to travellers in the North of England, with its focus firmly on the provision of urban and rural services. We are now moving forward to further refine the franchise proposition with the Passenger Transport Executives before inviting counterparties to compete to run this important new franchise”.

The press release issued by the Strategic Rail Authority on 18 February 2002.

Private finance will bring big benefits for passengers in a deal signed today between the SRA and M40 Trains, the owner of the Chiltern Railways franchise. Chiltern Railways will continue to run the service, which provides trains from London Marylebone throughout the M40 corridor to Birmingham, for up to 20 years. The agreement, which will lever in up to £371million of private finance over the length of the contract, will deliver increased capacity on the route and major benefits to passengers. A significant proportion of the investment package has been contributed by M40 Trains shareholder John Laing and the Royal Bank of Scotland.

SRA Chairman Richard Bowker, said:

” This is another good example of the private sector expressing confidence in the rail industry’s long term future. The agreement with M40 Trains will deliver increased capacity, both through infrastructure and rolling stock improvements, as well as improvements to stations and in customer service geared towards creating a 21st Century railway. Passengers can look forward to more seats, more trains, and a better all round journey experience.

“In our Strategic Plan we stressed the importance of delivering increased capacity in London and the South East, and today’s announcement will play its part in achieving that. Moreover, it will see the further development of the Chiltern route to Birmingham as a real alternative to the congested M40 motorway for business and leisure travellers, helping to deliver the modal shift envisaged in the Government’s Ten Year Plan.”

Contracted Improvements

Chiltern Railways are now contracted to deliver a number of improvements Highlights include:

• Restoration of double track between Bicester North and Aynho Junction to be commissioned in August 2002. This will remove the last single track bottleneck between London Marylebone and Birmingham Snow Hill, and enable an enhanced and more reliable timetable to operate. This will provide an alternative route for passengers travelling between London and the West Midlands whilst engineering work is taking place on the West Coast Mainline.
• 15 out of 16 trains to arrive at their destinations punctually and reliably – to be achieved from December 2003 (exceptions may be granted where infrastructure enhancement work is being undertaken);
• A programme for the delivery of 15 additional vehicles between September 2002 and May 2005 and a full refurbishment of all existing Class 165s for completion during 2004. This is in addition to 7 vehicles which are currently under construction. There is also a requirement to deliver as much additional rolling stock as is needed to meet demand – up to certain limits;
• Platform extensions at 13 stations to cater for longer trains to be delivered in two phases – starting in May 2002. More will follow when demand requires;
• Construction of a new depot in the London area, and extension of the existing depot at Aylesbury – to achieve better train reliability;
• Operation of through services between London Marylebone and Kidderminster from September 2002;
• A station improvement programme including customer information systems, enhanced passenger security, improved facilities for disabled passengers, and better accessibility to stations;
• Reopening of two new platforms at Birmingham Moor Street station;
• A commitment to undertake the project management of a train protection pilot scheme on behalf of the industry in response to the recent Uff/Cullen report – subject to agreement from Railtrack.

Planned Developments

• Chiltern have committed to implement infrastructure upgrades in the London area, and between High Wycombe and Bicester North, which will allow more trains and improved journey times, subject to funding being available on acceptable terms. The funding of this scheme will be raised through a Special Purpose financing Vehicle (SPV) on which development work will take place over the next year.
• A project to reduce journey times and increase train frequency on the Metropolitan route between Marylebone and Aylesbury via Amersham will be developed and considered in March 2005 – in the light of the routing of Crossrail, and the SRA’s priorities;

Future Proposals

A package of potential future schemes is included in the contract, which might be developed further in the next few years. Included are infrastructure improvements between South Ruislip and High Wycombe, and other ideas for the longer term such as new parkway stations, the development of new routes, and a local service in Greater London – provided capacity is available.

The press release issued by the Strategic Rail Authority on 7 March 2002.

The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) has agreed terms with National Express Group for changes to the franchises they operate, which will secure their future stability and bring benefits to passengers. In particular, the deal provides for the financial restructuring and future development of the heavily subsidised but loss making ScotRail and Central Trains franchises for the remaining two years of those franchises.

For passengers, the deal secures the future of ScotRail and Central Trains services. In addition, it ensures that passengers will continue to benefit from the protection of all of those additional services, which exceed the minimum level required in the Franchise Agreements, for the duration of the franchises. These additional service commitments mean that over three million additional train miles will be guaranteed on the Central Trains and ScotRail franchises. The deal also secures current levels of rolling stock for the remaining life of both franchises.

The SRA is to receive a cash payment of £59 million from National Express in return for a revised franchise payment profile on these two major regional networks. In securing this financial restructuring, the SRA has maintained the transfer of cost and revenue risk to the operator, except on those services provided to the specification of the West Midlands and Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executives, where revenue risk continues to lie with the PTEs. This will ensure that the operator continues to be incentivised to improve services to passengers, whilst ensuring that SRA and taxpayer interests are protected.

The deal will provide £115 million of additional subsidy across both franchises until their expiry in 2004. It includes clawback provisions to ensure that, where financial results are better than forecast, a share of the profits reverts to the SRA.

Both parties have also reached agreement on a range of outstanding issues arising from the National Express take-over of the franchising businesses of Prism Rail PLC in September 2000.

In reaching this settlement with National Express, the SRA has completed the financial restructuring of all regional franchises at the outset of the franchise replacement process. The settlement will provide a firm foundation from which the franchises can run to term, and then be extended or replaced in an orderly market process.

SRA Chairman Richard Bowker said:

“It has long been clear that the financial basis for the regional franchises was unworkable – a situation compounded by Hatfield and the foot and mouth outbreak, which affected tourism revenue. The SRA and National Express have worked together over the last six months to hammer out the right solution for this problem. Negotiations have been rigorous on both sides. I am convinced that the outcome is a great step forward for passengers, the SRA and the operators. There is now a firm basis on which to plan for the future development of the franchises before they are re let, or extended, on expiry in 2004, in line with the objectives of our Strategic Plan.”

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.”

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.”

The press release issued by the Strategic Rail Authority on 27 March 2002.

The Strategic Rail Authority today launched the process for pre-qualifying for its new Greater Anglia franchise (announced on 19 December 2001) which aims to combine the Anglia Railways and First Great Eastern franchises, and the West Anglia section of the WAGN franchise.

The SRA is currently producing a detailed specification for the new franchise, which will be issued to pre-qualified bidders, and will consult key stakeholders to ensure their views are taken into account.

Under the timetable published today, a series of consultation meetings with key regional passenger groups, local authorities and other regional stakeholders will start from 29 April. In addition, the SRA is inviting parties to pre-qualify for the Greater Anglia franchise, before the formal bidding process begins in Summer 2002 of this year, with a view to letting the new franchise by Summer 2003. The SRA intends to consult pre-qualified parties on the scope of certain enhancement options for the franchise.

SRA Chairman Richard Bowker said:

“Franchise consolidation, where there is close geographical proximity and a single London terminus, was a main theme of the SRA new franchise policy launched in December. Given the capacity pressures on Liverpool Street’s approaches, having just one operator, as opposed to three, makes good sense in operational and passenger service terms.

” We want to provide as much clarity as possible to bidders about what we expect the Greater Anglia franchise to deliver, and we want to ensure stakeholders have the opportunity to contribute their views, which is why we are starting a consultation process. The new Greater Anglia franchise needs to provide benefits both for passengers who use local and regional services and the many thousands of commuters who travel daily to the capital”.

A seamless transfer to the new franchise will be facilitated by an agreement reached today between the SRA and GB Railways to stabilise the financial position of the existing Anglia Railways franchise following the protracted losses suffered by the company since the Hatfield accident in October 2000.

Under the deal, the SRA has allocated £23.7 million of additional subsidy, which includes an immediate payment of £3.2million to Anglia Railways until March 2004 to ensure that its services continue to operate at current levels, with a provision for the SRA to share in any upside should the company perform better than forecast. In addition, the deal provides for the franchise to be terminated early, on 6 months notice, to facilitate the creation of the Greater Anglia franchise earlier than 2004.

The press release issued by the Strategic Rail Authority on 14 May 2002.

The Strategic Rail Authority and Merseytravel have pre-qualified six parties as bidders for the new Merseyrail Electrics Agreement, to operate local passenger rail services in the Merseyside area following the expiry of the current Arriva Trains Merseyside franchise in February 2003.

The parties are:

• Arriva Trains Limited (incumbent franchisee)
• Connex Transport UK Ltd
• Serco Limited
• TRANSDEV plc jointly with RATP International
• NS/Dutch Railways
• Keolis SA

All six bidders are required to submit initial proposals for the contract by 28 June 2002. A Parliamentary Order is being taken forward for the Merseyrail Electrics services to be exempt from the SRA’s franchise responsibilities, allowing Merseytravel to let the services as a local concession. The SRA and Merseytravel are jointly running a competition to select an operator for the Merseyrail Electrics services.

SRA Chairman Richard Bowker said:

“I am very pleased with the level of interest, including overseas operators, in this important urban rail operation. The SRA will be working closely with Merseytravel to assess the proposals put forward by the six bidders, with a view to developing standards of service and performance on the Merseyrail Electrics network.”

Chair of Merseytravel, Mark Dowd said:

“We’re delighted with the progress we’re making with the SRA on the future of the Merseyrail Electrics network which is so important to many thousands of people in our region.”

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

The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) today announced that nine parties have pre-qualified as bidders for the new Greater Anglia franchise, which will operate all the regular services out of London Liverpool Street, as well as local services within East Anglia.

The pre-qualified bidders are:

• GB Railways Group Plc (incumbent of ‘Anglia Railways’ franchise)
• Firstgroup plc (incumbent of ‘First Great Eastern’ franchise)
• National Express Group (incumbent of ‘West Anglia Great Northern’ franchise)
• Arriva Trains Ltd
• Connex Transport UK Ltd
• Great North Eastern Railway Ltd
• GOVIA (The Go Ahead Group plc and Keolis SA)
• NS/Dutch Railways
• Virgin Rail Group Ltd

SRA Chairman Richard Bowker said,

“This impressive field of bidders for the new Greater Anglia franchise clearly demonstrates the importance and future potential of the railways to this rapidly growing part of the country. The strength of the field also indicates that the industry supports our proposals for a single franchise serving the region. This reinforces our belief that the new franchise will deliver an improved level of service for passengers”.

The SRA is currently consulting key regional stakeholders including local government and passenger representatives, about their aspirations and priorities for the franchise. This is the first stage of a dialogue which will continue alongside the franchise replacement process. Formal bidding will begin in Summer 2002, with the intention of signing a Franchise Agreement with the successful bidder in Summer 2003.

The press release issued by the Strategic Rail Authority on 1 July 2002.

The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) today announced a £29m package that will enable continued progress with major improvements on the country’s largest rail franchise, South West Trains.

Specific commitments from South West Trains include:

• Commissioning and introduction of new ‘Desiro’ trains, driver training, and leasing and modification of depots for maintenance of the new fleet;
• Introduction of extra capacity on rush hour services from Winter 2002, including those from Alton, Portsmouth, Basingstoke, Woking and Eastleigh;
• Additional Sunday services both ways on the Waterloo to Reading, Chessington, Windsor and Hampton Court routes, and additional evening services from Portsmouth and Poole to Waterloo – as introduced in this Summer’s timetable;
• Further development work on the extension of platforms to accommodate longer trains, and continued progress on funding mechanisms for these and other station improvements;
• Preparatory work for increasing services on the Windsor Lines.

In April 2001 the SRA announced it had signed ‘Heads of Terms’ with Stagecoach Group as Preferred Counterparty for a new South West Trains franchise. The company has started implementation of these and other early improvements included in the Heads of Terms, and the Deed of Amendment announced today provides firm contractual commitments to their delivery whilst negotiations continue towards the long-term franchise.

The Deed of Amendment provides for increased SRA franchise payments to the company totalling £29 million to February 2003.

Nick Newton, Chief Operating Officer at the SRA, said:

“Today’s agreement is of real importance to travellers on the very busy South West Trains network. With the company’s continued commitment to getting 785 new carriages into service, ongoing planning for longer platforms, and introduction of more services and capacity, passengers will shortly start to see tangible improvements. Meanwhile the SRA will continue detailed negotiations with Stagecoach Group on a new long-term franchise.”

Graham Eccles, Chairman of South West Trains, said:

“Both the SRA and Stagecoach are committed to putting the needs of the passengers first. We are working closely with the SRA to ensure that our network is ready for the new trains and to improve services to passengers in the meantime. There is no need to delay these improvements while the fine details of the franchise are still being discussed.”

The press release issued by the Strategic Rail Authority on 22 July 2002.

The SRA welcomes the signing of an interim agreement with Virgin Rail Group regarding the West Coast Main Line and Virgin Cross Country franchises.

This agreement holds good the business while long-term solutions are explored by the SRA and Virgin Rail Group together.

SRA Chief Operating Officer, Nick Newton said:

“This specific, interim agreement between the SRA and Virgin Rail Group makes passenger sense and taxpayer sense and is bound by stringent terms and conditions. It delivers stability while the SRA works with Virgin Rail Group to identify and secure the best future for passenger service and delivery on these routes.

“Significantly, this agreement focuses on service delivery now and in the future, rather than on remonstrating about past problems.”