Extension granted for London Midland franchise

Go-Ahead Group said Govia, its joint venture with Keolis which runs the London Midland franchise, had received an extension which will mean the franchise runs until December 10, having been due to expire on October 15.

That could be extended again to February 4 if the Department for Transport decides to exercise that option by August 18.

The department has yet to decide which of two bidders will run the West Midlands franchise – which includes the route between Shrewsbury, Telford and Birmingham – for between seven and nine years.

London Midland and Abellio, which runs services in Surrey and London, put forward bids for the contract.

An announcement had been due in June, but it has not yet been delivered.

The Dft wants the chosen bidder for the seven-year contract to provide services to meet the growing demand, including more Sunday routes. The service includes the route into Shropshire, and the management of stations in Telford & Wrekin, as well as at Shifnal and Albrighton.

The current contract was due to come to an end this October.

Managing director Patrick Verwer, said “This announcement means we can continue to build on the successes of the last five years that have made this an international award winning franchise.

"Our focus will remain on delivering the best possible service to our passengers, each day and every day.

"This approach is already producing high levels of customer satisfaction.

"During the months ahead we will continue to work with the DfT and all our stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition for the awarding of the new, long-term, franchise.”

London Midland has been operating train services from London to Liverpool and across the West Midlands since 2007.

It is owned by Govia, which also runs the Gatwick Express services and Southeastern.