EMT extension could take Stagecoach through to 2020
STAGECOACH’S East Midlands franchise deal has been extended by Government until August 18, via a Direct Award.
It was due to have ended on March 2. And there is the possibility that it could be extended for a further 24 weeks, taking its expiry date to January 26 2020.
Government has also confirmed a likelihood that the High Speed Trains currently used by East Midlands Trains could be retained into the new deal, with a special dispensation made regarding their current lack of accessibility.
The HSTs were due to be withdrawn by the end of the year, because they are not fitted with sliding doors or various internal modifications to improve their accessibility. However, a Department for Transport spokesman confirmed that this issue could be resolved.
“Vehicles built before 1999 may apply for dispensations to continue in operation from January 1 2020 under our established ‘targeted compliance’ policy,” he said.
“The Direct Award is intended to smooth the transition to the commencement of the new franchise in August 2019, which will include any decisions on future fleet strategy.”
The HSTs date from 1976-82. Eight are owned by Porterbrook and three by Angel Trains. The former told RAIL last year that to make the stock compliant would cost £50 million. It had previously suggested the modifications to the DfT, but the plans were not taken forward.
When cancelling electrification of the Midland Main Line north of Kettering, Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling announced a new fleet of bi-mode trains would be introduced in 2022. However, no contract has been let, and manufacturers suggest the trains would take at least two years to build.
In a statement, Stagecoach said the EMT team would “be focused on ensuring readiness for the subsequent franchise that is currently being tendered by the DfT, including helping to put in place plans for extra seats from 2020”.
Stagecoach Group Chief Executive Martin Griffiths said: “We are very proud of the improvements we have delivered for our customers and our people over the past 11 years, and we look forward to continuing this successful track record.”
A DfT spokesman added: “We have agreed a short-term Direct Award with the current operator, Stagecoach. This will bridge the gap between the expiry of the current franchise and the beginning of the next, and ensure services continue with the least disruption until the best proposal for passengers and taxpayers is selected.”
The DfT said the extension will
allow time to complete all essential due diligence on bidder’s proposals for the new deal.
Speaking in Parliament on February 12, Rail Minister Andrew Jones said: “East Midlands Trains has achieved good performance and passenger satisfaction levels during the time they have been operating the franchise, and the new agreement will allow for a smooth transition into the next competitively tendered franchise.”
Jones said that as part of the Direct Award, EMT was expected to invest £150,000 on accessibility improvements at stations and introduce a simplified application for Delay Repay.
He said it was also expected that EMT would deliver a mobile app that provides real-time information as well as a 4G WiFi service, and provide at least 15 minutes of free access per passenger in Standard Class.
As part of a consultation launched last year, EMT’s NorwichLiverpool route could be split at Nottingham with Northern or TransPennine Express taking over the northern half of the route.
However, no decision has been made, and this could have a direct impact on 22 Class 185 diesel multiple units that are due to go off-lease from TPE this year. One plan is for the ‘185s’ to remain with TPE if it takes over from EMT.
Abellio, Arriva and Stagecoach have been shortlisted for the next East Midlands franchise. A joint venture between FirstGroup and Trenitalia withdrew last year.