East Midland Trains Franchise Agreement

The East Midlands Trains franchise agreement is a hot topic in the rail industry. The current franchise holder, Stagecoach, will see their contract come to an end in August 2019. This means that the Department for Transport (DfT) will need to enter into a new franchise agreement with a new operator.

The East Midlands Trains franchise covers a wide area including cities such as Derby, Leicester, Nottingham and Sheffield. The franchise agreement sets out the terms and conditions for the operation of the services provided by the franchisee. This includes the level of service required, the investment needed, and the financial arrangements.

The DfT has already started the process of finding a new franchise holder by issuing a tender document. The new franchisee will need to demonstrate their ability to provide a high-quality service to customers whilst also meeting the financial requirements of the franchise agreement.

One of the key areas of interest in the new franchise agreement is the planned investment in the rail network. This includes the introduction of new trains and improvements to existing infrastructure. The government has already committed to investing £1.5 billion in the Midland Main Line, which is part of the East Midlands Trains franchise.

Another important aspect of the franchise agreement is the level of service required. The new franchise holder will be expected to provide a reliable and punctual service to customers. They will also be required to meet a number of performance targets, such as the number of trains that run on time.

The new franchise agreement is also likely to include provisions for customer service. This might include requirements for the provision of customer information, such as real-time train running information, and the provision of assistance to customers with additional needs.

It is important that the new franchise holder is able to meet the requirements of the franchise agreement whilst also ensuring that the service is financially sustainable. The franchise agreement will need to strike a balance between the needs of customers, the government, and the operator.

In conclusion, the East Midlands Trains franchise agreement is an important part of the rail industry. The new franchise holder will be required to meet a number of conditions including investment in infrastructure and meeting performance targets. It is important that the new franchise holder is able to provide a reliable and punctual service whilst also ensuring the financial sustainability of the franchise.