Virgin

The UK Department for Transport (DfT) has awarded a contract to Virgin Trains to continue operating the West Coast Main Line, a major intercity railway route in the country.

Virgin Trains will pay approximately £430m to the UK Government over the contract, which will run from 22 June through March 2017.

Virgin Trains executive co-chairman Patrick McCall said: "This deal is great news for passengers and taxpayers, with significant benefits for our customers."

The scope of the contract includes the installation of superfast Wi-Fi on Virgin’s 76 Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, while Network Rail will provide track-side infrastructure.

"Together with thousands of extra seats and plans for new services, this deal will mean big improvements for millions of Virgin Trains passengers," McCall added.

"Together with thousands of extra seats and plans for new services, this deal will mean big improvements for millions of Virgin Trains passengers."

The coach G on all 21 nine-car Pendolinos will be converted from first class to standard class by September 2015, which will increase the standard class capacity by 5,500 seats a day.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Virgin Trains is also expected to start new proposed services between Shrewsbury/Blackpool and London by December, under a partnership with Network Rail.

Approximately £20m will also be invested in station renovations with improved waiting rooms, extra ticket machines and passenger information help points, as well as an upgraded website and more staff redeployed to concourses and platforms.


Image: DfT plans for new direct services between Shrewsbury / Blackpool and London. Photo: courtesy of Virgin Trains.