Franchising

The specifications for new rail franchises provide an important opportunity to seek improvements that will benefit passengers. Passenger Focus therefore place strong emphasis on influencing the franchise replacement programme.

In advance of each franchise replacement Passenger Focus will hold discussions with the Department of Transport (DfT) about the key issues for passengers.  We then provide detailed information about the priorities for the franchise, drawing on a range of passenger research and feedback from stakeholders.

Passenger Focus also holds detailed discussions with potential bidders, highlighting our research findings and encouraging them to place passenger aspirations at the heart of their proposals.  After franchises are awarded we work with the successful bidder to help ensure services are developed in the passengers’ interests.

Our franchise input covers a wide range of topics but some of the most important issues we highlight include: provision of capacity, improving punctuality and reliability, value for money, dealing with disruption and provision of information.

Contents


News

Update on franchising - February 2013

Following the publication of the review of rail franchising by Eurostar chairman Richard Brown, the Department for Transport has made decisions on the...

Press Releases

Putting passengers at the heart of rail services

Much of the debate about the future of rail franchises centres on structures and financing – now Passenger Focus is calling for the debate to consider the passenger’s point of view.The recent stalling of the rail franchise replacement process, the granting of an extension for Virgin, the Department for...

Passenger views on the Northern and TransPennine rail franchises

Independent passenger watchdog Passenger Focus has today published its research into what passengers want from the Northern and TransPennine rail services  – whether they remain separate or are combined into a single franchise. Although Government has halted work on new franchises until the outcome...

Great Western franchise passenger research published

Independent watchdog Passenger Focus has today published the research it used to inform its submission to the Government’s consultation on the Great Western rail franchise. The report is a summary of a large-scale research study involving over 4000 passengers travelling within the Great Western area....

Passenger Focus Thameslink Franchise 2013 initial submission

Passenger Focus has today published its initial submission and recommendations to Government for the next Thameslink franchise. Drawing on research with over 5000 passengers Passenger Focus has identified the core requirements as: providing a punctual and reliable service delivering value for money provision...

Additional priorities for Essex Thameside franchise outlined

Passenger Focus has today published a report which details the additional information it has submitted to the Government about the new Essex Thameside franchise.  The submission which was based on research with over 1000 passengers outlined the core priorities passengers wanted the new franchise...

Passenger Focus comment on First Great Western franchise future

First Great Western has announced that it will not be taking up the option to extend the First Great Western franchise for a further three years. Commenting on the decision, Anthony Smith Passenger Focus chief executive, said: "With today's news that First Great Western will not be extending its...

Publications