A local MP has said the Government’s decision to restart the competition to run the West Coast Main Line is “in the interest of passengers”.
The franchise had been awarded to FirstGroup, but a number of issues with the tender process were uncovered in a review of the decision following complaints from current operator Virgin Trains.
However, Christopher Pincher MP has admitted that the decision will be a good one for passengers in the long run.
“The first priority must be no disruption to travellers and staff using or working on this important service,” he said. “However, I am pleased that this review is taking place as I believe it to be in the interests of passengers.
“I was concerned about the performance of the initial franchise winner FirstGroup on other routes it operated. So I wrote to them asking searching questions and seeking assurances about their future performance. To date I have had no response.
“We now need a full rerun of the tender to ensure no one is any doubt that the best potential operator wins and that there are no mistakes in the process. That will be good for local commuters.”
