Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern Franchise - Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern Franchise History - B

Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern Franchise - B

Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern Franchise History

The Department for Transport decided to create a new Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern franchise with the services jointly operated with Southeastern to be added in December 2014 and the entire South Central franchise in July 2015.

In March 2012 the Department for Transport announced Abellio, FirstGroup, Govia, MTR and Stagecoach had been shortlisted.

The Invitation to Tender was to have been issued in October 2012, with the successful bidder announced 4–6 months later. However, in the wake of the InterCity West Coast refranchising process collapsing, the government announced in October 2012 that the process would be put on hold pending the results of a review.

In January 2013 the government announced it would be exercising an option to extend the existing contract until March 2014.

Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern Franchise Overview

Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern Franchise Current Operator:
Govia Thameslink Railway
Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern Franchise Main Route(s):
Thameslink, Great Northern, Southern and Gatwick Express
Dates of Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern Franchise Operation:
14 September 2014 – 1 April 2028
Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern Franchise Technical Track Gauge:
1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge
Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern Franchise Electrification:
25 kV 50 Hz AC OHLE
750 V DC third rail