DfT's ability to negotiate and sign off in just over three months amendments to the Southern franchise agreement, including additional support of over £80m for new trains (pi), contrasts with the slow progress being made to meet a similar rolling stock requirement at London Midland and TransPennine Express. Although Siemens had been sole bidder since Bombardier pulled out in July 2010, it was not declared preferred bidder until September 14 2011, with Angel Trains as preferred funder. Southern began its formal procurement two days later.
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