Local MPs Meet 3 Train Franchise Bidders

11.34.27am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 5th Dec 2005

The three local Lib Dem MPs, Vincent Cable, Susan Kramer and Ed Davey will this week meet the three bidders for the SW Trains franchise: Stagecoach (the current holders), First Group and Arriva. The companies are bidding to continue the franchise which Stagecoach has held since privatisation.

Vincent Cable said: "the current franchisees have improved considerably after a disastrous start and most commuters are pleased with the new rolling stock. But there is serious peak hour over crowding; stopping journeys are very slow, and there is a pretty poor service to stations like Hampton, Fulwell and Strawberry Hill and St Margaret's. I want to see if the other companies can undertake to do any better. As incumbents, Stagecoach has an obvious advantage, but the competition is healthy".