Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern Franchise

Lord McLoughlin Excerpts

Monday 24th February 2014 Written Statements

[The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr Patrick McLoughlin)]

On 18 February 2014 my Department announced the successful conclusion of negotiations for the direct award of a new, six-period franchise agreement to First Capital Connect that will see that company continue to provide services from the end of their current franchise on 31 March 2014¹ to the start of the new combined Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern franchise later this year.

Through this contract I have guaranteed services for passengers and ensured that the transition to the new franchise will be as smooth as possible, maximising the value for the taxpayer. This short contract is a key step in ensuring the delivery of the significant £6 billion Thameslink programme, which will transform the lives of rail passengers in the south-east through the delivery of new trains and more capacity, allowing 24 trains per hour through some of the most congested routes in the country.

¹The current franchise expires at 01:59 on 1 April 2014, at the end of the previous day’s services.