http://www.walesonline.co.uk/busines..._Click_FBshare
:sherlock::sherlock:
Printable View
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/busines..._Click_FBshare
:sherlock::sherlock:
There are 3 bidders for the franchise. I'm presuming that, because transport issues won't be entirely devolved until 2018, that awarding the franchise still falls under current law from Westminster, even if the Welsh Government will be awarding the franchise.
The reasons for ATW pulling out early (as opposed to late) could be interesting if divulged. Wales is crippled by the worst rolling stock of any rail franchise in the UK and a network that badly needs upgrading if significant improvements are to be had. Whoever takes over the new franchise are going to have huge problems to correct that won't come cheap. Mistakes made when the current franchise was awarded in 2003 are coming home to roost.
I hinted at this in my post when I said that whoever takes over the new franchise are going to have huge problems to correct that won't come cheap.
Ultimately, it's the responsibility of the Welsh Government to get a franchise that maximizes public spend. Profits don't get reinvested, so a franchise has to be developed that doesn't allow for huge profits and prioritises newer rolling stock and better timetables. Sadly, franchises don't encourage this, they encourage huge profits for doing as little as possible (unless government money is being spent).
Newer rolling stock is a good investment in the long term. More reliable scheduling also has to be a priority. These help profits eventually.
What competition does ATW have?