Rail franchises

The Future of Rail Franchising

Proposals for developing the Department’s approach to rail franchising,including the allocation of risk, contract term, specification, franchise competitions, innovation and investment. It sets out changes being considered ahead of letting the next round of franchises.

Published:
20 January 2010

Rail franchise change of control policy statement

This note is a statement setting out the Secretary of State’s policy when she receives requests for her consent to changes of control under the terms of the relevant franchise agreement.

Published:
28 March 2008

Rail Franchising Policy: Analysis of historical data

This report was prepared by the consultancy KPMG. It reviews the information available from past franchises within the UK and considers the links with franchise contract structure and design. It also reviews rail contract structure in different countries with privatised rail industries.

Published:
21 January 2010

A guide to the railway franchise procurement process

Briefing note on the railway franchise process.

Published:
01 June 2006
Last update:
21 January 2010

Franchise evaluation process charts (66 kb)

This document provides information to support the franchise bidding process and allow the DfT to publish in chart form how it will evaluate bids.

Published:
10 September 2007
Last update:
21 January 2010

Rail Franchise Replacement Process Manual (194 kb)

Provides an overview of the process for rail franchise replacement.

Published:
24 August 2009
Last update:
21 January 2010

InterCity East Coast franchise

Information about the InterCity East Franchise

Greater Anglia franchise

Information about the Greater Anglia Frachise.

Essex Thameside franchise

Information about the Essex Thameside Frachise

Improving performance on First Great Western

Stock Market statement:measures to address unacceptably high levels of train cancellations on the First Great Western franchise.

Published:
26 February 2008

South Central franchise

Information about the South Central rail franchise.

East Midlands franchise

Information about the East Midlands rail franchise.

Greater Western and Thameslink/Great Northern Franchise

Includes Greater Western and Thameslink/Great Northern rail franchise letters, clarification bulletins and other associated documents.

Integrated Kent franchise

Integrated Kent rail franchise

InterCity East Coast franchise 2007

InterCity East Coast franchise

New Cross Country franchise

Information about the New Cross Country rail franchise.

Northern franchise

Review of the Northern rail franchise

South Eastern Trains

South Eastern Trains rail franchise

South Western franchise

Information about the South Western passenger rail franchise.

West Midlands franchise

Information about the West Midlands rail franchise.

Agreement signed to amend Gatwick Express and Southern franchises

Stock market statement announcing the agreement to amend Gatwick Express and Southern franchises.

Published:
19 June 2007

More trains arriving on busy rail routes

The Department for Transport today announced a package of improvements that includes expanding the Gatwick Express service, building new trains and leasing more carriages to provide more than 12,000 extra seats.

Published:
04 April 2007

Franchise agreement reinstated for West Coast services

The Department for Transport today announced that it has reinstated the franchise agreement with Virgin Rail Group to operate services on the West Coast Main Line.

Published:
13 December 2006

Franchise payment profiles

These are the franchise payment profiles, at time of contract signature, for the South Western, Southeastern, First Greater Western, and First Capital Connect franchises.

Published:
30 October 2006

The new system for the role of English PTEs in the rail franchising process

Guidance detailing new arrangements to give Passenger Transport Executives greater flexibility to make choices about the balance between rail and other modes and greater clarity about their role.

Published:
20 July 2006

Accreditation process clarification bulletin

Accreditation process document

DfT Rail Group Trade Day presentation 19 April 2006 (342 kb)

Presentation given by DfT to senior members of the passenger rail industry.

Published:
20 April 2006

Franchise payment profiles

These are the franchise payment profiles, at time of contract signature, for the Integrated Kent, Greater Western, and Thameslink/GN franchises.

Published:
01 February 2006

Franchising Policy Statement (275 kb)

Previously published on the SRA website.

Published:
23 August 2006

Map for UK rail (Franchise Replacement) (1 Mb)

Previously published on the SRA website.

Published:
25 August 2006

Scotrail Franchise - Draft Invitation to Tender (1 Mb)

Previously published on SRA website. Part of the process for the replacement of the ScotRail franchise. New franchise started in October 2004 currently operating as First ScotRail.

Published:
07 September 2006

Better quality route maps from Franchise Accreditation Process Document (583 kb)

East Midlands, West Midlands and Cross Country Rail franchises advertisement

Stakeholder Briefing - Greater Anglia Franchise (275 kb)

Previously published on the SRA website. Part of the consultation & briefing process for the replacement of three earlier franchises. New franchise started in April 2004 and currently operating as "one".

Guidance on the role of Transport for London in the DfT's Rail franchising process

This guidance note sets out how TfL will be involved in the rail franchising process, including TfL’s involvement in long-term planning of the rail network; statutory right to be consulted on rail franchises in their area; and role in proposing amendments to the franchise specification in their area.

IEP simulation of the Intercity Express Preferred Bidder Train (60 Mb)

Published:
12 February 2009