UK public transport provider Stagecoach, one of three bidders shortlisted to bid for the new South Eastern franchise, announced its intention to form a relationship with Alstom Transport UK Limited (part of the Alstom SA Group) for the rail franchise, subject to Department for Transport consent.
Under the partnership, Alstom will hold 20% of the share capital of the train operating company if company’s bid for the franchise is successful.
“Our proposal for a collaboration with Alstom to bid for the South Eastern rail franchise aims to combine Alstom’s knowledge of infrastructure and rolling stock, with our operational expertise and customer service focus. The proposed arrangement supports our vision of delivering a more integrated and innovative rail service for the customers and local communities who depend on what is one of the busiest rail networks in the UK,” Stagecoach Chief Executive, Martin Griffiths, said.
Alstom is hugely involved on the UK market, as around a third of all rail journeys in the country are made on Alstom trains. The company keeps Virgin’s West Coast Main Line service running for around 34 million passengers every year and it service over 100 tube trains a day on London’s Northern Line, carrying nearly 1 million passengers daily.
Also, Alstom is playing a key part in delivering British rail infrastructure projects such as HS1, Crossrail, Network Rail’s signalling and electrification systems and Nottingham Tram.
In June 2017, the Department of Transport announced the companies which are running for the next South Eastern franchise. Among Stagecoach South Eastern Trains Ltd, other three bidders were selected:
• South Eastern Holdings Ltd, a joint venture company that on franchise award will be wholly owned by Abellio Transport Group Ltd and East Japan Railway Company and Mitsui & Co Ltd
• London and South East Passenger Rail Services Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Govia Ltd
• Trenitalia UK Ltd, wholly owned by Trenitalia SpA.
The South Eastern franchise serves passengers in south-east London and parts of Kent and East Sussex. The South Eastern franchise is made up of three distinct parts: the commuter services that operate within or just outside the Greater London area; longer-distance services operating between London and Kent, the Medway towns, and parts of East Sussex and high speed routes between St. Pancras and Ashford, running on to serve towns in Kent such as Folkestone, Dover, Ramsgate and Canterbury.
Share on:
