InterCity West Coast
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| Current operator | Virgin Trains |
|---|---|
| Main Route(s) | West Coast Main Line |
| Franchise dates | 9 March 1997 - April 2019 |
| Stations called at | 44 |
| Stations operated | 17 |
| Website | dft |
| Technical | |
| Gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) |
InterCity West Coast is a railway franchise in the United Kingdom for passenger trains on the West Coast Main Line (and branches thereof), between London Euston, the West Midlands, North Wales, Manchester, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and other major destinations between. It was formed during the privatisation of British Rail and transferred to the private sector on 9 March 1997 when Virgin Trains, the current and only franchise-holder to date, commenced operations.
The franchise was due to be re-let in December 2012, with FirstGroup announced as the winning bidder; this decision was later reversed after the discovery of irregularities in the franchise letting process. In December 2012, Virgin Trains was awarded a management contract to run the franchise until November 2014. In March 2013, Virgin was awarded a further extension until 31 March 2017, and in 2016 this was again extended to April 2019.
The Government plans to replace this franchise on 1 April 2019 with a new one to be called "West Coast Partnership". The new franchise will include High Speed 2 operations once services begin on that line.
As of March 2017[update], these are the services offered:
The initial franchise was contested by Sea Containers, Stagecoach and Virgin Rail Group. Each submitted two bids, one based on an all tilting train fleet, and another based on a combination of conventional and tilting trains. On 19 February 1997, the Director of Passenger Rail Franchising awarded a 15-year franchise to Virgin Rail Group, with Virgin Trains commencing operations on 9 March 1997.
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