DfT pleads for responses to Future of Franchising

The Reforming Rail Franchising consultation document was originally published on the 22nd July 2010.

Eye understands that ministers have been "disappointed" by the number of responses to this consultation to date.

So the Saviour of the Jammy Dodger today launched this YouTube video to try and drum up some more responses.



As future franchising policy will effect the entire industry it is perhaps not a bad idea to think about responding.

The consultation document can be found here and the closing date is the 18th October.

Remember vote early - vote often!

UPDATE: This from Sinoda...

Despite the change of background logo, Ms Villiers appears to be speaking from Eurostar's famous broom cupboard from where Richard Brown made his very memorable broadcasts.

And what to make of the final salvo from Mr Voiceover: "If you are unable to access this video, please contact the 'digital engagement team' at the Department for Transport, so we can arrange an alternative format".

Surely you wouldn't know who to contact unless you had watched the video?

UPDATE: This from Herb Aceous...

The video clip lasts 2 minutes and 45 seconds but the clap board at the end refers to a running time of 3 minutes 40 seconds.

What sundry delights were edited out I wonder?

Tories outline policy, NR orders a glass or two

Theresa Villiers tonight confirmed that under a Tory Government franchises will be freed from Micromanagement!

And not a moment too soon.

As well as extending franchise life (to 15 or 20 years) Villiers even suggested that TOCs may be free to set their own timetables and lease (not 'buy' - the Times may care to note!) their own rolling stock.

Whoopy doop! Eye raises the bowler to Messrs Shooter and Long.

And as for giving ORR greater powers - yawn - if they exercised their current set (see Winsor passim) we wouldn't be in today's mess!

No matter.

Meanwhile, back in the real world, Eye noticed that a certain NR lobbyist was seen deep in conversation with Villiers tonight, prior to moving on to dinner!

NatEx won't take a hit claims Peston

The BBC's Robert Peston exposes NatEx's limited East Coast exposure.

National Express, has very limited financial exposure to the losses being incurred by NXEC, the holder of the East Coast franchise - and believes it can hand back the franchise to the government with near impunity.

As Shriti Vadera observed, TOC's are "thinly capitalised equity profiteers of the worst kind".

The thick of it

Anyone looking for a spot of light relief this afternoon should head off to the Transport Select Committee.

Representatives of First Group, National Express, Virgin Trains, Southeastern and First Hull Trains will attempt to defend the indefensible by claiming recent fares increases are justified.

And in a dash of pure comedy genius the Committee has also decided to examine the impact of the recession on franchises.

To watch National Express on the ropes click here. The fun begins at 14:45.

Oh no it's not!

When is a franchise commitment not a franchise commitment?

When DafT says so, silly!

Bowler tip to Rail Manager on Line for these gems:

This from DafT on the 14th August 2007:
"NXEC will provide a full restaurant service on 87 train services Monday to Friday with an improved range of full meals".

This from DafT on 6th January 2009:
"Catering is not covered by the franchise agreement with National Express East Coast and is a matter for the train operating company".

DafT - making it up as they go along.