Rail franchises
A guide to the railway franchise procurement process
Briefing note on the railway franchise process.
- Published:
- 01 June 2006
- Last update:
- 06 May 2008
Franchise evaluation process charts (317 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:
- 29 May 2008
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
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/GN franchise
Greater Western and Thameslink/GN rail franchise
Integrated Kent franchise
Integrated Kent rail franchise
InterCity East Coast franchise
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
Rail Franchise Replacement Process Manual
Provides an overview of the process for rail franchise replacement.
- Published:
- 10 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.
