Go-Via buys pig in a poke?

Eye welcomes the new South Central franchise which began operation yesterday

The franchise was awarded to current operator Govia (a Go-Ahead and Keolis joint venture) and will see the continuation of the Southern brand.

But what's this?

The winning bid was based on 4% revenue growth over the first two years of the franchises life.

Alas.

What looked a 'toppy' bid may now turn into a Herculean challenge.

This from the BBC...

London Underground (LU) has been hit by a fall of 190,000 journeys a day, with the recession and job losses blamed... August journey figures were 6.4% lower than the same month last year, Transport for London (TfL) said.

With loadings down on LU no doubt similar pain is being felt by NSE TOCs as well.

Watch out for eye-watering increases in unregulated ticket prices and car park charges as Govia struggles to balance the books.

Govia wins South Central franchise

***Govia signed the South Central franchise agreement late last night. Announcement expected this morning.***

UPDATE: DafT press release here

South Central franchise update

This just in from Sussex Driver...

It would appear that the announcement about who has won the new South Central franchise is being delayed.

This from our staff brief this week:

"The Department for Transport (DfT) was originally due to announce the winning bidder for the South Central Franchise on 2 June. The announcement has been rescheduled but is still due in early June."

The industry awaits with anticipation - alas, a sentiment unlikely to be shared by the NatEx and NedRail bid teams.

If the devil could cast his net...

Interesting.

This from ShareCast...

Bus and train group National Express is to sell its London bus business, Travel London, to a subsidiary of NS Dutch Railways.

Of course NatEx and NedRail make good bedfellows.

What with both rumoured to be out of the running for the South Central franchise.

Two's company

Telegrammed by our man at 222 Marylebone Road
So who are the lucky two?

Sources indicate that DafT has finished its deliberations and that just two now remain in the running for the South Central franchise.

Suppose we'll have to wait till the markets are informed on Monday... or buy the Sunday papers!

Fall-Behind capitulates

Go-Ahead must still think they are in with a chance on the South Central franchise.

This from the Kent News...

Train company U-turns on carriage cuts

Fat chance, what with their splendid performance on London Midland and all.

South Central bidders

***DfT has shortlisted the following bidders for the South Central franchise:

NedRailways - South Central Ltd, National Express - NXSC Trains Ltd, GoVia - Southern Railway Ltd and Stagecoach - Southern Trains Ltd***