LONDON (Alliance News) - Transport operator Go-Ahead Group PLC on Thursday said its 65%-owned London Midland arm has secured an extension of the franchise to run the West Midlands passenger train service in the UK until October 2017.
The direct award by the UK's Department of Transport has been agreed, the company said, and will include schemes to benefit passengers throughout the new franchise, including two extra evening services on weekdays between London and the Trent Valley, earlier services to Birmingham on Sunday mornings and free WiFi on long-distance journeys.
The new franchise runs from April 2016 until October 2017.
"We're pleased that the government has put its confidence in London Midland to continue operating the West Midlands franchise and also deliver further enhancements for passengers such as extra train services, free Wifi, and additional car parking at busy stations. The plans offer benefits for passengers, taxpayers and the local communities that are served," said Go-Ahead Chief Executive David Brown.
By Sam Unsted; samunsted@alliancenews.com; @SamUAtAlliance
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