Rumour - GWR local services to get separate franchise?

[irish_rail]

The above is doing the rounds at work at present, apparently to be announced amid great fanfare in June. Local services to return to a Wessex trains type franchise separated off from intercity. Doesn't make much sense to me but interesting to see what people here think?

 

[Mag_seven]

I thought this idea was consulted on a short time back but ruled out by the DfT as there were too many (correct in my opinion) objections?

 

[Jorge Da Silva]

Where did you here this? Last time I heard it had been rejected.

 

[Bletchleyite]

I hope not; GWR/FGW is generally a reasonably competently run franchise (within some fairly limiting constraints) and having the local lines as part of it (as with EMT) means good connections etc rather than marginalisation of the branches.

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

Unless the devolution decision has already been made, I would have expected all these remapping debates would be put off until the Williams review is complete.
I could understand them maybe splitting the franchise management into two sub-TOCs within GWR, as has happened with West Midlands Trains.
But I don't believe there is any plan to re-compete the GWR franchise at the moment.

 

[irish_rail]

The idea of separating the intercity services and local branches to Devon and Cornwall as a different franchise from GWR was rejected, the difference now is the intercity would stay as part of GWR (as was until 2006) with local stuff hived off. As I said don't shoot the messenger may well be twaddle but apparently came out of a meeting from quite high up....

 

[matt_world2004]

Isn't this effectively what is going to happen between reading and Paddington anyway when Crossrail launches.

 

[221129]

Isn't this effectively what is going to happen between reading and Paddington anyway when Crossrail launches.

No...

 

[Carlisle]

Unless the devolution decision has already been made, I would have expected all these remapping debates would be put off until the Williams review is complete..

Absolutely, unless those at the top have already decided the Williams review will in practice just amount to a largely meaningless talking shop.

 

[Clarence Yard]

The idea of separating the intercity services and local branches to Devon and Cornwall as a different franchise from GWR was rejected, the difference now is the intercity would stay as part of GWR (as was until 2006) with local stuff hived off. As I said don't shoot the messenger may well be twaddle but apparently came out of a meeting from quite high up....

Well, I will personally shoot whoever is putting this about so that you hear such stuff.

I have seen the latest (issued last week) version of the Draft RfP from the DfT for the forthcoming DA3 award and it is one operation, no split.

 

[irish_rail]

Well, I will personally shoot whoever is putting this about so that you hear such stuff.

I have seen the latest (issued last week) version of the Draft RfP from the DfT for the forthcoming DA3 award and it is one operation, no split.

That's a relief thanks for clearing it up.