Menu
19/06/2014
Virgin Wins Announces West Coast Franchise
Virgin Trains and the Department for Transport have signed a new deal guaranteeing big improvements for both passengers and taxpayers.
The new West Coast franchise will run until March 2017 and will see significant improvements for customers with the introduction of free superfast WiFi, more seats and new services. Taxpayers will also benefit with a guarantee that more than £430m will be paid to government, a rise of at least 58% on the current arrangement.
The new West Coast contract comes into force on 22 June and will provide:
• More seats
• Better connectivity
• New services
• Customer reward programme
• Financial benefits for taxpayers
Patrick McCall, Virgin Trains Executive Co-Chairman, said: "We're delighted to have reached a deal after some tough negotiations with the DfT. It puts the problems of 2012 firmly behind us, and shows the clear benefits of a well-run franchise system.
"This deal is great news for passengers and taxpayers, with significant benefits for our customers as well as a big increase in the money we pay to government. We know WiFi is high on our customers' priorities and we’re delighted that we’re going to be able to offer them free and super-fast WiFi. Together with thousands of extra seats and plans for new services, this deal will mean big improvements for millions of Virgin Trains passengers."
(CVS/CD)
The new West Coast franchise will run until March 2017 and will see significant improvements for customers with the introduction of free superfast WiFi, more seats and new services. Taxpayers will also benefit with a guarantee that more than £430m will be paid to government, a rise of at least 58% on the current arrangement.
The new West Coast contract comes into force on 22 June and will provide:
• More seats
• Better connectivity
• New services
• Customer reward programme
• Financial benefits for taxpayers
Patrick McCall, Virgin Trains Executive Co-Chairman, said: "We're delighted to have reached a deal after some tough negotiations with the DfT. It puts the problems of 2012 firmly behind us, and shows the clear benefits of a well-run franchise system.
"This deal is great news for passengers and taxpayers, with significant benefits for our customers as well as a big increase in the money we pay to government. We know WiFi is high on our customers' priorities and we’re delighted that we’re going to be able to offer them free and super-fast WiFi. Together with thousands of extra seats and plans for new services, this deal will mean big improvements for millions of Virgin Trains passengers."
(CVS/CD)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 December 2010
Govt Ends 'Gold-Plating' Of EU Regulations
Secretary of State for Business, and Chair of the Reducing Regulation Committee, Vince Cable today set out a series of new principles that the Government will use when introducing European measures into UK law. These will end so-called 'gold-plating' so that British businesses are not put at a disadvantage relative to their European competitors.
Govt Ends 'Gold-Plating' Of EU Regulations
Secretary of State for Business, and Chair of the Reducing Regulation Committee, Vince Cable today set out a series of new principles that the Government will use when introducing European measures into UK law. These will end so-called 'gold-plating' so that British businesses are not put at a disadvantage relative to their European competitors.
08 April 2005
Planned New Deal expansion slammed by Tories
Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary David Willetts has condemned Government plans to expand the New Deal programme to include a million sick and disabled people, claiming that the jobs scheme fails to get many unemployed people into sustained work. Chancellor Gordon Brown announced the planned expansion in an election campaign speech.
Planned New Deal expansion slammed by Tories
Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary David Willetts has condemned Government plans to expand the New Deal programme to include a million sick and disabled people, claiming that the jobs scheme fails to get many unemployed people into sustained work. Chancellor Gordon Brown announced the planned expansion in an election campaign speech.
03 August 2004
Blair told to reveal specifics of terror threat
The government has been urged to release details of the terror threat facing Britain, after Pakistani authorities revealed that it had uncovered preparations for Al Qaeda terror strikes on the US and UK. The US went on heightened alert this week after new information came to light following the arrest of a top Al Qaeda suspect in Pakistan.
Blair told to reveal specifics of terror threat
The government has been urged to release details of the terror threat facing Britain, after Pakistani authorities revealed that it had uncovered preparations for Al Qaeda terror strikes on the US and UK. The US went on heightened alert this week after new information came to light following the arrest of a top Al Qaeda suspect in Pakistan.
25 June 2003
Police urged to adopt new technology
Police forces must adopt new and developing technology before organised crime gangs do, the Home Secretary will tell a conference of top cops tonight.
Police urged to adopt new technology
Police forces must adopt new and developing technology before organised crime gangs do, the Home Secretary will tell a conference of top cops tonight.
28 February 2008
GP Contracts 'Bad Deal For Taxpayers'
The new contract for GPs in England has cost the Department of Health £1.76 billion more than originally budgeted for, a report by the National Audit Office has found. The report also found that, in the first two years of the contract, productivity has fallen by an average of 2.5% per year.
GP Contracts 'Bad Deal For Taxpayers'
The new contract for GPs in England has cost the Department of Health £1.76 billion more than originally budgeted for, a report by the National Audit Office has found. The report also found that, in the first two years of the contract, productivity has fallen by an average of 2.5% per year.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A dry day with any low cloud and mist clearing during the morning leaving long spells of warm sunshine. Breezy at times around the coast. Maximum temperature 20 °C.Tonight:A fine end to the day with some sunshine, then clear spells overnight. Low cloud could form around some Irish Sea coasts later in the night. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
