Three firms make East Midlands rail franchise shortlist

East Midlands Trains has had its franchise extended by a year as the names of the three train operating companies in the running for the next East Midlands franchise were announced this morning (March 1) by the Department for Transport.

The three shortlisted firms are: Arriva Rail East Midlands Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Arriva UK Trains; First Trenitalia East Midlands Rail Limited, a joint venture company wholly owned by First Rail Holdings Limited and Trenitalia UK Limited; and Stagecoach East Midlands Trains Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Stagecoach Transport Holdings Limited.

East Midlands Trains’ franchise was due to run out in March 2018, but this has now been extended it was revealed this morning.

Rail Minister Paul Maynard said: “A flourishing rail network brings real growth and prosperity to the region it serves. That is why we are making the biggest investment in the national rail network in more than 100 years to deliver the safer, faster and more comfortable journeys that passengers want.

“At the same time, Network Rail is working on improvements which by 2019 will enable the next East Midlands franchise to deliver more carriages and faster journeys over the whole route, including almost twice as many seats into London St Pancras in the peak hours.

“I am delighted that all these first-class companies have demonstrated their confidence in our vision for the future of the rail industry in Great Britain by bidding for this key franchise.”

The new franchisee will be expected to satisfy predicted growth in demand, in particular into London St Pancras, but also for local crowded services like Derby-Crewe.