15-yearfranchises will be the norm

摘要

The Transport Department is to develop a new franchising model as part of a wide-ranging reform that will see 15-year franchises on offer to most operators. The industry has been asking for longer franchise terms as it can bring greater investment and innovation that cannot be realised over a shorter term. The remainder of the retendering programme for 2012 and 2013 will depend partly on decisions by the Government and existing operators on the termination dates of current franchises. The Government says it will avoid inviting too many tenders at the same time, which would suggest small extensions to existing incumbents.