First Group wins West Coast mainline

Trains

Commenting on the news, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce's Director of Policy, Chris Fletcher, said: “Irrespective of which company was chosen to run the service for the next 14 years, our view has always been that there must be no step backwards either in service or investment. Considering the problems that Virgin have faced, mainly through years of infrastructure neglect that has only been recently sorted, it is a credit to them that the West Coast Service has improved beyond recognition.

"As one of the most important and fastest growing rail routes in the UK with passenger numbers set to rise in the coming years, it is vital that the new operator takes steps to think and plan ahead to tackle the potential capacity crunch from day one. This means continued investment and continued improvements to rolling stock as well as the supporting services and infrastructure such as stations and car parks.

"Rail franchises do not have a good record in parts of the country and whilst Virgin’s tenure has not all been plain sailing we seem so far to have escaped any long term negative effects that have afflicted other parts of the rail network. I am sure with so much at stake this great record will continue in the future.”

Commenting on the Department for Transport’s decision to award the contract for the West Coast Mainline to FirstGroup, Tony Attard, North West regional chair for the Institute of Directors, said: “Businesses will be watching FirstGroup’s performance closely. The contract will only be a success if passengers get the extra seats, faster journey times and smart ticketing that has been promised. As with all rail franchises, we hope that the train operating company will be able to fulfil the pledges of their bid and provide an improved service for passengers.”