This application, made under Section 17 of the Railways Act, is for rights to operate services on the South West Main Line (SWML) between London Waterloo and Southampton Central. The services will be operated by Alliance trading as Grand Southern.
The services will be operated as intercity services using 100mph Class 442 EMUs, each 5 car train offering around 300 seats. The rolling stock will be refurbished along similar lines to Grand Central (our sister company), offering improvements in both classes of travel, specifically improving standard class legroom and on-board facilities. In addition, our on board service will be notably different to the service operated by others on the route. We will build on the success that Grand Central has attained. Grand Central recently topped the Spring 2016 National Rail Passenger Survey where 96% of passengers were satisfied, or very satisfied with Grand Central services, compared to the national average of 80%.
Alliance has identified capacity in all hours, including the peak (from December 2018), and intends to operate 2 services in the peak hours (to and from London Waterloo), and a 2 hourly service in the off-peak starting in December 2017. The expiry date for this contract will be the Principal Change Date in December 2024. Alliance is seeking two years in addition to the normal five year contract on the basis of our significant investment in the rolling stock prior to its re-introduction.
Alliance has identified capacity on the route concerned, and is currently in discussions with Network Rail on making that capacity available and agreeing our Track Access Contract. In areas of significantly high demand, Network Rail has a responsibility to ensure it uses its capacity well for the benefit of passengers and the taxpayer. In total, from the December 2018 timetable, Alliance is looking to secure two paths in the up morning peak and two paths in the down evening peak (one in each hour). From December 2017 Alliance is looking to operate a two hourly path in the off-peak. An outline timetable has been provided to the ORR. The rights are intended to be flexible for the industry so that Network Rail can realise the best use of capacity.
Alliance is seeking firm rights between London Waterloo and Southampton and stations in between at Eastleigh, Winchester, Basingstoke, Hook and Wimbledon (set down only on trains to London and pick up only on services to Southampton). Alliance is also seeking contingent rights for Southampton Airport Parkway.
http://www.networkrail.co.uk/browse...iance rail holdings - section 17 - form p.pdf