Stagecoach to bid for both East and West Coast Main Line franchises
It is reported that Stagecoach it is to join Virgin in making joint bids for both the East Coast and West Coast Main line franchises.
They already run the WCML as a joint venture, but the franchise expires in 2012 and transport secretary Philip Hammond has said that the next franchise term will run until 2026. The ECML franchise, which will also commence in 2012, will run until 2027.
It is expected that Deutsche Bahn, First Group and SNCF will also bid for the West Coast Main Line franchise.
Two Virgin trains at Birmingham New Street. Picture: Jonathan Webb
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