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Connex sets out its position on South Central franchise
date 24 October 2000 source Connex type Press release
Connex is naturally very disappointed not to have been selected by the shadow Strategic Rall Authority (SRA) as preferred bidder for the replacement South Central franchise after months of intense negotiations.
We believe that our proposals were robust, more than met the core franchise requirements set out by the SRA and provided unprecedented passenger benefits across all aspects of rail travel at the lowest cost to the UK taxpayer. Our bid had a high level of financial commitment and risk guaranteed by our parent company, Vivendi Environment. In particular, we had secured enough options for new trains to ensure the complete replacement of slam door rolling stock before the end of 2002.
We would like to thank our staff for their support and commitment over the last four years and in particular during the year-long re-franchising process. Both passengers and employees can be assured that we are committed to providing the best possible service during the period of transition. As part of the final contract negotiations between Go-Via and the SRA, we will work with both parties on the terms on which we relinquish the remaining years of our existing South Central franchise.
We wish our competitor luck with the South Central franchise and are curious to learn full details of their franchise commitments and the level of real financial risk that they are taking.
Connex will continue to participate in the UK rail industry by bidding for new franchises.
ends
Note to editors:
Connex was awarded a seven year franchise in 1996 and therefore has a contract to run the franchise for a further three years, to 2003.
For further information please contact Connex Communications on 020 7620 5080/5505
