Happy news for the franchising zealots of Great Minster House (Sid and Dorris Bonkers)!
With the 'risk transfer' model of franchising subject to increasing ridicule for failing both fare and taxpayers, the mandarins of Marsham Street must have been looking forward to yesterday's Business Traveller magazine awards.
At a glitzy lunchtime event at Kensington's Royal Garden hotel, hosted by no less a figure than the polymath Sir Trevor McDonald, the
keenly competed for 'Best UK Domestic Train Service' award went to errr... Beardie Rail.
Alas, and for the sixth year running!
As this doesn't quite fit the DfT's narrative on the West Coast franchise expect this accolade to go unremarked upon by either officials or ministers.
And to compound Marsham Street's joy, the award itself was sponsored by First Great Western!
UPDATE: This from Mrs AP Tis...
I understand that First Group are applying
for a judicial review of the decision to award the prize to Virgin Trains.