"The remedial plan which has been agreed with the Government represents a final warning for the company and any breach of this will qualify as a default and the contract will indeed be terminated.
"I welcome the passenger benefits included in this package. But the company must now deliver on these promised improvements. They have a last chance to get it right."
So our R.H
MP▸ for Bath and others (
MTLS▸ group and the rest of 'em) says the above but does he/they really know what would happen if First was to lose the
GW▸ franchise
1)For a start First own some of the
HSTs▸ . They would use these on their other Franchises or hire them out to the highest bidder so there would be (I think) in the region of 10 power cars & 40 coaches short for the next lot.
2)Premiums payable to government, First overbid for the job of running trains down this part of the world so that would cost a Government who are mad on money. (smaller premiums from a new operator).
3)Firstgroup have invested in trains, depots, stations and staff and will want rightly so recompense for this and any investments not already carried out would be stopped forthwith. All said and done you won't see the sort of investment from the likes of Arriva as they still have 158's with the flea-bitten carpets and seats fitted by Wales & West Railways 10 years ago!
The removal of this franchise from First would cost the
tax payer farepayer far more money than leaving it as it is.
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