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West Coast Partnership: Awarded to First Trenitalia

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4-SUB 4732

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A number of reports suggest a big announcement tomorrow morning in regards to West Coast Partnership. Not sure if award to private company or something else...
 
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WatcherZero

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Wouldn't be surprised if they announce a win for First but that the HS2 preparation is now being spun off into a separate not for profit entity.
 

Bletchleyite

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Any sources? Where did you here Tomorrow from? Is it being cancelled (that would be interesting?)

That would not surprise me.

Bozza is quite obviously on the election trail. Virgin Trains is very popular - probably by far the most popular TOC (even if not exactly beloved on here some of the time) - and FirstGroup is near-universally despised. A nice long direct award would definitely curry favour with the WCML-travelling electorate.
 

driver_m

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I guess something should have been announced by now so the stock market doesn’t get a nasty surprise.
 

ainsworth74

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Looks like the reports (whatever or wherever they were) are not correct so this thread is locked. If anyone would like to speculate about the possible future of the West Coast franchise/partnership then they are welcome to do so in our Speculative Ideas sub-forum. Otherwise we wait firm information and would welcome anyone reporting this post when some is available so the Forum Staff can look at re-opening the thread.
 

ainsworth74

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As you can all see I've unlocked the thread after almost exactly twelve hours (I swear this happens every time I lock a thread in these sorts of circumstances :lol:) as there appears to be movement.

As a reminder from what I said earlier speculation needs to be confined to the Speculative Ideas sub-forum. So I would suggest that until tomorrow (or unless anyone fancies leaking something very juicy) that there isn't really anything else to discuss tonight!
 

Simon11

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I have heard from my contacts it will be announced tomorrow Going to be interesting!
 

hibtastic

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Win for First.

https://twitter.com/clinnick1/status/1161519080454676482?s=21
In @transportgovuk statement on First/Trenitalia winning West Coast Partnership, @grantshapps and @rail_review: "confirm new Partnership is departure from flawed systems of the past, which will provide flexibility to help implement the future Williams Review recommendations."
https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/firstgroup-plc-statement-west-coast-060000224.html
FirstGroup plc and Trenitalia UK Ltd welcome today’s announcement by the Department for Transport (‘DfT’) of its intention to award the new West Coast Partnership (‘the Partnership’) to our 70:30 joint venture First Trenitalia West Coast Rail Limited (‘First Trenitalia’).

8 December 2019 and comprises two distinct phases. In the first phase to March 2026, First Trenitalia will operate existing InterCity West Coast services while providing a range of design, development and mobilisation services as Shadow Operator to the High Speed 2 (‘HS2’) programme. First Trenitalia will then operate HS2 and the reshaped InterCity West Coast rail services together as an integrated operation in the second phase, from March 2026 until March 2031, under a management contract." data-reactid="13">The new Partnership will operate from 8 December 2019 and comprises two distinct phases. In the first phase to March 2026, First Trenitalia will operate existing InterCity West Coast services while providing a range of design, development and mobilisation services as Shadow Operator to the High Speed 2 (‘HS2’) programme. First Trenitalia will then operate HS2 and the reshaped InterCity West Coast rail services together as an integrated operation in the second phase, from March 2026 until March 2031, under a management contract....
Refurbishment of Pendolino fleet and replacement of Voyager fleet with 13 new BiModes sets. They also mention ten new electric sets to allow frequency upgrades for Liverpool services.
 
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ainsworth74

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Gov.uk with the offical announcement and link to the traditional map of improvements.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/west-coast-marks-new-partnership-model-for-rail

First Trenitalia has today (14 August 2019) been announced as the successful bidder to operate the West Coast Partnership, set to provide passengers with new trains, more seats, simplified fares and more frequent services on the West Coast Main Line.

Both the Transport Secretary Grant Shapps and Keith Williams, chair of the Rail Review, have heralded the Partnership as vital to deliver the swift introduction of significant benefits for passengers. The new Partnership is also designed to fit with the direction of the Review and to facilitate the implementation of Williams’ recommendations in due course.

It also reflects a significant move away from the previous flawed franchising system to tackle issues already highlighted by the Williams Review, with the use of a forecast revenue mechanism (FRM) to avoid a repeat of the issues that affected the previous East Coast Main Line. This mechanism will be supported by a new annual review process, to ensure partnership working is effective, collaborative and continually improving.

The Transport Secretary has also confirmed that the government intends to produce a white paper in due course setting out the recommendations of Williams, to bring forward his vision for a truly passenger focused industry centred on clear, accountable leadership.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said:

"This award is positive news for passengers, with more services, more direct connections and ambitious plans for a cleaner, greener railway, and also represents a decisive shift towards a new model for rail.

It is a Partnership supported by Keith Williams, built with the flexibility to respond to his recommendations and deliver fundamental reform to a flawed system. Meeting Keith last week confirmed our shared determination to deliver a future that puts passengers at the heart of the railways, and get our trains to run on time.

That is why I have asked Keith to produce his recommendations for a white paper, with fearless proposals that will deliver a railway system fit for the 21st century."

Keith Williams, Chair of the Rail Review, said:

" The railway needs reform that prioritises the customers and communities it serves, with an absolute focus on delivering benefits for passengers. I have also been clear that my review must not stop or delay investment and innovation.

This West Coast Partnership delivers for passengers. It is a step forward that is firmly in line with the review, introducing benefits for passengers today and capable of incorporating the reforms needed for the future."

Today’s award confirms that, from December 2022, passengers will benefit from 263 extra train services every week, with Motherwell set to become a major calling point for most West Coast Partnership services. Destinations including Llandudno and Gobowen will now be served by direct trains to and from London, and Walsall will receive its first direct intercity services. Subject to approval from the Office of Rail and Road, 2 trains per hour will run between Liverpool and London.

First Trenitalia will also oversee the introduction of new environmentally-friendly trains, entirely replacing the diesel-only fleet and reducing CO2 emissions by 61%. It will also invest £117 million in a major refurbishment of the current Pendolino fleet, providing more comfortable seats and additional luggage space.

The new operator will also strive for ambitious green targets by investing in stations and depots to reduce the environmental impact of the Partnership. This includes introducing new solar panels and energy efficient air conditioning, alongside a commitment to achieving an 80% reduction in non-recyclable waste from products sold or supplied on-board trains.

First Trenitalia will also oversee the introduction of:

  • more flexible and convenient smart ticketing options
  • free wifi and high quality mobile connectivity on board services
  • improved delay repay compensation for all passengers
  • £32 million of investment into developing and delivering infrastructure capacity and capability improvements
  • 10 new secure cycle storage facilities; improved bus facilities; 900 new car parking spaces, and 100 new Electric Vehicle charging points
  • new ticket machines at stations, removal of the administration fee and enabling on-the-day changes to both advance tickets and seat reservations
  • new initiatives to increase diversity, inclusion and skills retention in the rail industry
 

whhistle

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Voyager cascade for XC then
And if they get Meridians from East Mids too, over crowding could be solved.
Wonder if their HSTs will go to Scotrail.


Well done to First.
Looks like pulling out of East Mids to "concentrate on West Coast" served them well.
 

ainsworth74

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Post West Coast use of their Voyagers would be better suited to a thread in Speculative ideas please ;)
 

Aictos

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A well deserved win, First should have took over the WCML years ago had it not been for the DfT screwing up.

I’m ecstatic about the news.
 
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a_c_skinner

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13 new BiModes sets. They also mention ten new electric sets

So, more micro fleets - one hopes not. Ideally the bi-modes are follow ons from the MML order. Will the new electric sets need tilt? I see tears ahead or a lot of retiming of non-tilt trains.
 

DarloRich

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I am sure there will be much wailing and gnashing of teeth over this decision with experts of every flavour complaining that the sacred virgin trains are to be replaced.

Why not wait and see what happens because beyond paint and hats I doubt much will actually change
 
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LNW-GW Joint

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Well, at least it's the end of repeated short franchise extensions which deliver next to nothing.
13 new bi-modes to replace Voyagers, 10 new EMUs for extra services, notably to Liverpool.
Can they find a 125mph tilting bi-mode, or is this just another AT300 running at 110mph?
Are the EMUs more Pendolinos, or something closer to TPE's 397s (which will soon be running Manchester/Liverpool-Scotland services for First).
How will Liverpool South Parkway work unless these trains are short ones?

No route extensions except* Gobowen and Llandudno, no circular Euston-Wolverhampton-Shrewsbury-Chester-Crewe-Euston as suggested in 2012, no Bolton or Stirling.
It was a chance to mention infrastructure upgrades (eg at Carstairs), but nothing that I can see.
The HS2 dimension seems totally ignored.
Both First and Trenitalia will be cockahoop. Sad to see Virgin go after 22 years.
XC can look forward to taking on the 20 WC Voyagers, which have served Chester and North Wales well.
Looks like there will be more trains running beyond Chester.
Modified rapture...

* forgot Walsall (which has just gained a through service to Euston from WMT).
 
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pompeyfan

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Well done First. The best of a bad bunch I reckon.

I think the commuters on the South Western franchise might disagree. On the plus side many bus drivers will be waking up happy this morning with the increase to staff travel now available.
 
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Good to see Walsall and Oswestry receive there first InterCity services from next year - services of which I think will be well used.

Only thing I notice is no brand announcement on franchise announcement day, as has been the case for the last few announcements. Hope it’s still set to be LMS!
 
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