A joint expression of interest is submitted by Stagecoach, Virgin Group and French high speed rail operator SNCF
Stagecoach Group and Virgin Group have announced that they are joining forces with French high speed operator SNCF to bid for the West Coast Partnership rail franchise.
The franchise will run from 2019 and will include current West Coast services and the first few years of operation of High Speed 2 (“HS2”) services.
Stagecoach has a 50% share in the bid vehicle, West Coast Partnership Limited, with a 30% share held by SNCF and the remaining 20% owned by Virgin. It is envisaged that services under a successful bid would carry the Virgin brand.
Martin Griffiths, CEO of Stagecoach Group, said: “This creates a powerful world-class partnership, bringing together the team which has transformed inter-city rail travel in the UK with the most recognised and capable high speed operator in Europe.
“The new franchise has an important role to play in delivering the improvements and space on our railway that can support our communities and economy.
“Together, we have a very strong track record of working effectively with other rail partners and infrastructure providers, as well as using cutting edge technology to achieve a step change in customer service.”
Patrick McCall, Virgin Trains Co-Chairman said: “I’m delighted that SNCF has come on board, and together we will put forward what we hope is the winning bid for the next West Coast, and first HS2, franchise. We’ve just celebrated 20 years of Virgin Trains and this news puts us in the best possible position to make it 30.”
Virgin, Stagecoach and SNCF have already worked together on the first stage of the West Coast Partnership bid, the expression of interest, which has been submitted. The partners will now prepare for the invitation to tender, which is expected to be issued by the end of the year.
