The continuing media speculation about the ability of franchised passenger operators to continue is damaging to the industry.rnThere were clear rules set out when the Government took over franchise awards from the Strategic Rail Authority designed to procure franchises in a totally fair manner, with very little ability to lobby ministers. Similarly, the rules as set out by Railways Minister Lord Adonis are clear - if a franchise operator cannot continue operations due to lack of compliance with its financial commitments, it must 'hand back the keys' to the DfT. This is all fine in theory if the problem is contained within one or two franchises. I recall Sir Alastair Morton, when chairman of Eurotunnel, speaking about the size of the company's debt; 'when you owe the bank £10,000 and cannot pay, you have a problem.
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