This from the DfT...
The first invitation to tenders have been published by DfT since launch of a new rail franchising schedule.
The government has today (26 September 2013) published 2 invitations to tender (ITT) for the Essex Thameside and Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern (TSGN) rail franchise competitions.
These are the first to be issued to bidders since the Department for Transport launched its new rail franchising schedule in March.
They have been shaped by the recommendations made by the independent Brown review into rail franchising.
ITTs ask bidders to set out detailed proposals of what they will deliver should they win the franchise competition.
Rail Minister Simon Burns said:
"Rail franchising has been a force for good on our railways and the
department has been working hard to roll out its new franchising
schedule.
"These are the first invitations to tender to be issued since the
independent Brown review into rail franchising, which endorsed the
government’s approach to the railways.
"We are now looking for innovative bids that
provide value for money for taxpayers and put passengers right back at
the heart of our railways."
The Thameslink and Great Northern elements of the TSGN franchise will start in September 2014 with the Southern element being phased in by July 2015. The franchise will run for 7 years.
ENDS
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