South Western franchise consultation

Closing date: 13 January 2006

Summary:	This consultation document aims to inform stakeholders of the award process, the aims and objectives for the franchise and the proposed base franchise specification and to give the opportunity to comment on this.
Published date:	7 November 2005
Closing date:	13 January 2006
Documents:

The South Western franchise, which will combine the existing South West Trains and Island Line franchises, is due to commence on 4th February 2007 for a period of 10 years, with a curtailment clause after 7 years if certain performance criteria are not met.

The Department for Transport Rail Group has invited expressions of interest through an OJEU notice, for the South Western franchise. These are due to be returned by 11th November and short-listed applicants will be announced in January 2006. Those applicants short-listed will be issued with an Invitation To Tender in March 2006.

The consultation document aims to inform stakeholders of the award process , the aims and objectives for the franchise and the proposed base franchise specification and to give them the opportunity to comment on this and formally notify DfT of any increments to the base specification they may wish to purchase as part of the franchise.

The deadline for responses is 13 January 2006; earlier replies will be very welcome.