BLACKPOOL OPEN ACCESS BATTLE LOOMS

摘要

OPEN ACCESS operator Alliance Rail is going head-to-head with VirginTrains in a battle for paths on the West Coast main line. Alliance won rights to operate services between London and Blackpool from 2018 using six-car Pendolinos, but has been unable to procure these units due to difficulties securing derogations regarding technical standards for interoperability (TSI) non-compliance.These rights are set to lapse, and Alliance has instead put forward a new plan that involves using shortened Intercity 225 sets. However, West Coast franchisee Virgin Trains has come forward with a competing bid to use its Class 390 Pendolinos on three additional services per day between London and the resort.