Virgin legal challenge delays West Coast rail franchise handover to FirstGroup

The Government has delayed the final signing of the West Coast franchise contract due to the Virgin legal challenge.

• Line may be run by public sector if takeover date is delayed

• Virgin brands bidding process “insane” but FirstGroup insists it was fair

Sir Richard said the DfT did not follow its own rules in choosing FirstGroup rather than Virgin to run the new 13-year franchise and described the bidding process as “insane”.

FirstGroup, which runs First Great Western, TransPennine Express, First Capital Connect and Scotrail services, insisted the process had been “rigorous, detailed and fair” and was preparing to commence the handover on December 9.

If the December takeover date is postponed, Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin has said there are procedures under which the DfT can operate the line in the public sector.

FirstGroup today said its focus was “to ensure a smooth transition with continuity for staff and passengers alike and to deliver the many benefits and improvements we are offering without delay or disruption”.

It said all its rail franchises made a strong contribution to the rail division performance in the first half and pledged to remain focused on existing operations while developing the re-franchising programme.