FCC has franchise extended -despite commuter complaints

First Capital Connect’s franchise is to be extended by 12 months to September 2014, despite disappointing results from a commuter poll by ‘Which’.
Garth Waters took a picture of this train at Haywards Heath station, to illustrate the dirty and graffiti.Garth Waters took a picture of this train at Haywards Heath station, to illustrate the dirty and graffiti.
Garth Waters took a picture of this train at Haywards Heath station, to illustrate the dirty and graffiti.

Mid Sussex commuter Garth Waters, who regularly tweets about delays, said: “I am horrified by the news.”

In February this year, First Capital Connect was named as the worst train operating company in the country after only four out of ten commuters polled by Which said they were satisfied with the Bedford to Brighton franchise.

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However, new carriages are on order and the train operator says commuter satisfaction ratings are improving.

After September 2014, a new franchise will be let which, in July 2015, will incorporate rail services currently operated by Southern.

First Capital Connect’s parent company, FirstGroup, was one of the companies shortlisted to bid for the new franchise, which raised a few eye-brows among commuters.

Tim O’Toole, FirstGroup’s chief executive, said: “The publication of the timetable setting out the return to rail franchising is an important development for the industry, enabling the private sector to continue to provide effective and efficient passenger rail services, with further performance and infrastructure improvements.

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“The extension of our First Capital Connect franchise provides continuity and consistency for our passengers and enables us to continue to deliver considerable improvements to services.

“As the UK’s largest and most experienced rail operator, we remain committed to maintaining a leading position in the market.”

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