By ROGER FORD
Informed Sources
- Franchising ends
- DfT chasing franchise default cash
- Incentives outweigh 0.5% management fee
- Direct Awards next step to concessions
Zombie franchise: FirstGroup has already made an allowance for losses at SWR. On 10 September 2020, new Bombardier-built Arterio EMU No 701002 passes Weybridge on the down slow with a 5Q33 Waterloo to Woking test working; it was due to operate to Guildford but a problem with the train saw it return direct to Eastleigh. At left Siemens Desiro EMU No 450096 brings up the rear of the 13.15 Portsmouth Harbour to Waterloo service.
Colin J. Marsden
As that well-known observer of the passenger rail franchising scene, Mr Kenny Rogers, almost wrote:
‘Now every franchise owner knows, the secret to survivin’ is knowin’ what to throw away, and knowin’ what to keep’
