Stagecoachloseslegalfight
THEHighCourthasrejected a legalchallengebythe StagecoachGroupagainst he DepartmentforTransporftor compensationstemmingfrom it beingdisqualifiedto bid for three franchises.
Stagecoacwh asbiddingto retainthe EastMidlandsTrains franchiseaswell asits share of theWestCoastMainLine franchisewith partnerVirgin, andalsofor the SouthEastern franchise.
Thebidshadbeenruled'noncompliant'becauseof attempts to reduceon-goingpension liabilities.Mr JusticeStuartSmith dismissedthe claims,adding all bidderswould haveknown pushingbackonthe pensions element"gaveriseto a serious risk"of beingdisqualified.
FirstGroup(FG)won the West
CoastfranchisefromVirgin/ StagecoachlastDecember, havinglostout to Virginon a previouslegalchallengein 2012asa resultof a Department forTransporet rror.
AFGspokespersosnaid:"We welcometoday'srulingandthe clarityit brings.Weconsidered all aspectsof our successful WestCoastPartnershipbid carefullyandwith a sensibleand responsibleapproachto risk. "Ourcurrentfocusison supportingour communities throughthe currentpandemic, andwe areworkinghardto delivera cleanerg, reenerrailway for our customersand partners.
"Theywill seeimprovements, includinga fleet of newand refurbishedtrains,moreroutes and servicesand an improved on-boardexperience:'