Franchise extension for East Midlands Trains

Stagecoach Group has confirmed that its subsidiary, East Midlands Trains, has agreed a new short-term rail franchise with the Department for Transport (DfT).

The new franchise will start on 3 March 2019 and run until at least 18 August 2019. The DfT has the discretion to extend the franchise by up to 24 weeks on terms that have been agreed.

East Midlands Trains says it will be “focused on ensuring readiness” for the new franchise, including helping to put in place plans for extra seats from 2020.

East Midlands Trains says it expects to earn a “modest” profit under the contract and a profit sharing arrangement with the DfT will apply.