Today (1 March 2017) the Department for Transport has
announced that the following companies have successfully
pre-qualified to bid in the competition for the East Midlands
franchise, to run rail passenger services from November 2018:
- Arriva Rail East Midlands Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary
of Arriva UK Trains Limited
- First Trenitalia East Midlands Rail Limited, a joint venture
company wholly owned by First Rail Holdings Limited and
Trenitalia UK Limited
- Stagecoach East Midlands Trains Limited, a wholly owned
subsidiary of Stagecoach Transport Holdings Limited
In order to pass the pre-qualification evaluation each of the
prospective bidders had to demonstrate that they have the
financial strength, safety and operational experience to run this
important franchise. This announcement marks another key
milestone in the rail franchising programme and is the next step
in delivering real benefits for the passengers along the East
Midlands routes.
In due course, once the ‘Invitation to tender’ has been issued,
the bidders will be required to submit plans to demonstrate how
they will deliver the enhancements for passengers using the East
Midland services.
The department will evaluate the submitted bids to determine
passenger benefits, deliverability, and value for money.
As for all rail franchise competitions, and as is consistent with
the Secretary of State’s duty, the department will ensure that
alternative plans are in place for the continued running of
passenger services in the event that the department determines
that the bids would not provide services in the most efficient or
economic manner.
