Virgin Trains and the Department for Transport have signed a new deal guaranteeing big improvements for both passengers and taxpayers. The new West Coast franchise will run until March 2017 and will see significant improvements for customers with the introduction of free superfast WiFi, more seats and new services.
The new West Coast contract comes into force on June 22nd and will mean Standard Class capacity increases by 5,500 seats per day, all trains are equipped with free WiFi and new direct services are introduced. Plus, taxpayers will also benefit with a guarantee that more than £430m will be paid to government, a rise of at least 58% on the current arrangement.
Patrick McCall, Virgin Trains Executive Co-Chairman, said the deal “shows the clear benefits of a well-run franchise system”.
He commented:
“This deal is great news for passengers and taxpayers, with significant benefits for our customers as well as a big increase in the money we pay to government. We know WiFi is high on our customers’ priorities and we’re delighted that we’re going to be able to offer them free and super-fast WiFi. Together with thousands of extra seats and plans for new services, this deal will mean big improvements for millions of Virgin Trains passengers.”
The new franchise will mean also include other benefits for Virgin Trains customers, with new services between Shrewsbury/Blackpool and London expected to start by December 2014.
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