The UK's Department for Transport (DfT) has shortlisted Arriva Rail East Midlands, First Trenitalia East Midlands Rail and Stagecoach East Midlands Trains as potential operators of the new East Midlands franchise.
Since 2007, Stagecoach Group has been running the current East Midlands franchise, which will now be extended by a year due to planned network upgrade work, reported Nottingham Post.
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The East Midlands franchise currently covers intercity train services on the Midland Mainline connecting Nottingham, Derby, Leicester and Sheffield with London St Pancras.
UK Rail Minister Paul Maynard said: “A flourishing rail network brings real growth and prosperity to the region it serves.
“That is why we are making the biggest investment in the national rail network in more than 100 years to deliver the safer, faster and more comfortable journeys that passengers want.
“At the same time, Network Rail is working on improvements which by 2019 will enable the next East Midlands franchise to deliver more carriages and faster journeys over the whole route, including almost twice as many seats into London St Pancras in the peak hours.”
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By GlobalDataBy extending the franchise, the government also seeks to support its goal of improving connectivity within and outside the Midlands region. The project also aims to support the East Midlands industry and leisure economy growth.
