Chris Heaton-Harris expresses an interest in suggested devolution of Southeastern services

[brad465]

Not if there's yet another 2 year extension coming in April...

I reckon the best we can hope for is some cascaded 707s until a proper franchise is let, or they decide to separate out the metro stuff as discussed in this thread, and use the rest as a guinea pig for a brave new world of franchising!

Any rolling stock additions, either by cascade or new build, will have to come with depot/siding capacity increase as there is no extra space currently.

 

[urpert]

Why wouldn’t the direct award include procurement of a new inners fleet?

I suppose it’s not out of the question but the history of the franchise makes me very sceptical. Also haven’t the DfT done away with those agreements requiring new franchisees to take on existing fleets? Can’t see any leasing company wanting to sign up to a 2 year lease on a new EMU fleet...

 

[Meerkat]

I suppose it’s not out of the question but the history of the franchise makes me very sceptical. Also haven’t the DfT done away with those agreements requiring new franchisees to take on existing fleets? Can’t see any leasing company wanting to sign up to a 2 year lease on a new EMU fleet...

IEP is committed long after the franchise isn’t it? What about Thameslink and Crossrail?

 

[Bald Rick]

IEP is committed long after the franchise isn’t it? What about Thameslink and Crossrail?

Yes both on long deals. There are very few trains that are not subject to the ‘post franchise’ agreement; the 707s being the most obvious.