Strategic Rail Authority

SRA enter heads of terms on Central Trains two-year extension

date 8 July 2003   source Strategic Rail Authority   type Press release

The SRA today announced that it had entered Heads of Terms negotiations
for a two - year extension of the Central Trains passenger rail franchise with
incumbent franchisee National Express Group PLC. The deal is subject to
contract.

The current franchise will be extended from April 2004 to April 2006. The
Authority also confirmed that negotiations had started with National Express
on possible two -year extensions to its Silverlink and Great Northern (sector of
WAGN) franchises.

Making the announcement today, Nick Newton, SRA Managing Director,
Operations said:

The two year extension at Central will help to provide certainty for the
business through the period of change following implementation of our West
Coast Mainline Strategy.

"A new franchise will start in 2006, following competitive tender. By extending
the current franchise by two years, we are providing clarity for a competitive
bidding process and keener pricing for this".

Notes to Editors

1. 1. Central Trains operates an extensive network of rural, urban and
interurban services right across the Midlands, North West England and
into South Wales and East Anglia. In the West Midlands, local services
are supported by Centro (West Midlands Passenger Transport
Executive).

2. 2. West Anglia (London Liverpool Street) services are to be
incorporated in the Greater Anglia franchise. Long term options for the
future of Great Northern services (the other half of the WAGN
franchise) are currently being considered by the SRA.

Railnews Archive ::: 2003-07-08 SRA-001

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