Arriva Trains Wales Withdraws from Wales and Borders Franchise Bid
British train operating company, Arriva Trains Wales, have been informed that Arriva Group have withdrawn from the bidding process for the next Wales and Borders franchise.
Four bidders had been selected to progress to the next stage in the procurement process, to operate rail services in the new Wales and Borders Franchise from October 2018, as well as take forward key aspects of the next stage of Metro. Arriva Trains Wales’ withdrawal leaves Abellio Rail Cymru, KeolisAmey and MTR Corporation still in the running.
Tom Joyner, Managing Director of Arriva Trains Wales said:
“We have been notified that Arriva Group have withdrawn from the bidding process for the next Wales and Borders franchise.
“Our key priority following this announcement is to continue to focus on the delivery of our services for the people and communities that depend on us for the remainder of the current franchise, including a £1m Arriva Trains Wales investment in additional trains which will be introduced in 2018.
“We will continue to work closely with our government and industry partners to support them with the delivery of their priorities.”
Wales and Borders Franchise
The new Wales and Borders Franchise will form part of the Welsh Government’s ambition to deliver a new not for profit rail model similar to the way in which Transport for London manage public transport services.
The procurement process to select an Operational and Delivery Partner is being undertaken by Transport for Wales, a wholly owned, not-for-profit company established by the Welsh Government.
It is anticipated that the final contract will be awarded by the end of 2017.
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