The UK Department for Transport (DfT) has shortlisted three train companies for the next West Midlands franchise competition.
The shortlisted bidders are London and West Midlands Railway, West Midlands Trains, and MTR West Midlands.
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London and West Midlands Railway is a subsidiary of Govia, a joint venture between Go-Ahead (65%) and French firm Keolis (35%). It currently operates the existing franchise until the start of a new long-term franchise in October 2017.
Govia’s bid will be aiming to retain the franchise it has operated since 2007.
West Midlands Trains is a wholly owned subsidiary of Abellio Transport Group with Japan Railways East and Mitsui as minority partners, while MTR West Midlands is a subsidiary of MTR UK.
UK rail minister Claire Perry said: "The West Midlands franchise serves both commuters and long distance passengers, and we are confident these companies will create high-quality bids that can deliver better journeys for all.
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By GlobalData"Today’s announcement marks a key step forward in giving passengers improved services across the region and beyond."
The current franchise covers routes and stations spanning the Midlands, South East and North West, and services to London Euston and Liverpool Lime Street.
The contract for the new operator to take over the next franchise is scheduled to be awarded in June next year.
In addition, the DfT awarded a new pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ) passport to the joint consortium of East Japan Railway and Mitsui, making it eligible to express an interest in all upcoming rail franchise competitions for the next four years.
In December, the current operator agreed to invest £13m to offer improvements to passengers by providing more services with 6,600 extra seats every week, and a better customer experience with free Wi-Fi and click and collect tickets.
