The consultation document for the Great Western franchise (see 'Informed Sources'this month) outlines features of the DfT's new approach to franchising, with bidders asked to consider how they might improve stations and trains, and improve service quality'while reducing the unit costs of operating the railway'. The revised policy will be aimed at improving value for money,'in keeping with the objectives of the McNulty Report', with operators working with the wider industry on major programmes of investment, providing appropriate capacity for passenger services 'within the constraints imposed by the major programmes of investment and the available infrastructure'. 'Consistently good performance across the network'and improved customer satisfaction will also be sought.
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