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This historic announcement is excellent news for passengers. It confirms the success of the Government's rail privatisation policy. I congratulate Stagecoach on winning the first franchise and welcome their enthusiasm for entering the new rail industry.
I particularly welcome their intention to maintain current service levels. It confirms, as we have always maintained, that the timetable which operators will actually run will be above the Passenger Service Requirement. Stagecoach have also committed themselves to additional passenger benefits including a substantially improved Passenger's Charter.
"This announcement is also good news for the taxpayer. Stagecoach will be running these services for less grant than is currently being paid to BR."
