FRANCHISES MOVE TO EMERGENCY MEASURES

摘要

Agreements are being implemented for rail franchises following a major fall in passenger demand due to the coronavirus crisis. The news comes as operators across the network introduced reduced timetables from 23 March (p10). The agreements, backdated to 1 March, have been signed by all operators of franchises let by the Department for Transport under the traditional revenue risk model. Govia Thameslink Railway already operated under a management contract in which DfT bears revenue risk. Go-Ahead, the 65% majority shareholder in Govia, reported on 23 March that an emergency arrangement with new terms removes GTR's exposure to ancillary revenue such as car parking and to retail commission. Govia's Southeastern franchise is now operating under a new deal which also comprises a management contract (see story opposite).