HS2 services to be run by new West coast rail franchise

The government has announced that a new rail franchise will combine the current InterCity West Coast mainline with HS2 high speed services.

The franchise will be called the West Coast Partnership and will be operational on 1 April 2019. It will be responsible for services on both the West Coast Main Line from 2019 and running the initial HS2 services in 2026.

Transport Minister Andrew Jones said: "HS2 will be the backbone of Britain's railways, creating more seats for passengers on the West Coast and increasing capacity on the rest of the network. By combining the franchise we are ensuring we get the right people on board at an early stage to design and manage the running of both services in the transition stage.”

The West coast franchise is currently run by Virgin Trains as a joint venture between Stagecoach and Virgin.

The HS2 line, which is scheduled to begin construction next year, will eventually link London, Birmingham, the East Midlands, Leeds, Sheffield and Manchester.

Sir David Higgins chairman of HS2 Ltd said: "I have always been clear HS2 will not be a standalone railway but fully integrated with the wider network. It will provide a new backbone for our railways, modernising services to better serve towns and cities up and down the country."

The contract is set to run for the first three to five years of HS2’s operation.

The government will invite tenders for the new franchise in October or November next year.

"The new franchise will attract highly experienced companies, who have the right experience, which ultimately means a better deal for passengers - both now and in the future," said Jones.

The £56bn HS2 railway is aimed towards reducing overcrowding on the existing network and stimulate economic growth across the country.

Critics however say it is too costly and damaging for the environment. Regardless, Transport secretary Chris Grayling confirmed the government intended to press ahead with the project last month.

A committee of MPs also warned that the construction timetable was too ambitious a few weeks ago.

Anthony Smith, chief executive of the independent watchdog Transport Focus warned that: "Less competition could too easily lead to premium pricing so passenger protection will have to be a priority.”

"We will now be working with all bidders to share our detailed work on what current West Coast and future HS2 passengers want."

Virgin Trains will be awarded a new short-term contract of around 12 months to continue operating West Coast services after the end of the current franchise in 2018.