Transport for LondonMidlands and Cross Country
DfT's Consultation on West Midlands, East Midlands and Cross Country franchises
Transport for London (TfL) London Rail has submitted a formal response to the Department for Transport's (DfT) consultation papers on the West Midlands, East Midlands and Cross Country franchises, which are due to commence in November 2007. The geographical scope of these franchises is wide and TfL's response concentrates on matters relevant to London only.
The new West Midlands franchise will take over the existing Silverlink County services when the Metro routes transfer to TfL's control under the new London Rail Concession. The DfT's consultation states that the successful franchisee will be required to accept Oystercards (including pay-as-you-go) within the London zones. TfL believes that the franchisee should also be required to retail Oyster products within London and also to commit to the introduction of a zonal fares structure to replace the present 'point to point' system.
TfL supports the need for growth on this corridor to be managed through the operation of longer trains. TfL's modelling shows that a full service of 12-car trains will be necessary by 2014.
