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MTR withdraws from race for West Midlands franchise

London Midland 172215 at Birmingham Moor Street on March 26 2015. RICHARD CLINNICK.

MTR has withdrawn from bidding for the new West Midlands franchise.

MTR Corporation (West Midlands) Ltd was named as one of three shortlisted by the Department for Transport on April 7 (RAIL 799), but RAIL understands it has now withdrawn from the bidding.

The company declined to comment to RAIL regarding the matter, but it is understood that it has made the business decision to focus on the joint venture it has entered with FirstGroup on the South West franchise.

The contract award is due to be made in June 2017, with the winner taking over in October 2017. 

  • For more on this, read RAIL 804, published on July 6.
  • For more on the joint venture with FirstGroup read RAIL 804, published on July 6.

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  • Andrewjgwilt1989 - 23/06/2016 20:17

    Abellio, National Express and DB Arriva could bid to win the West Midlands rail franchise.

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    • FrankH - 24/06/2016 22:26

      Has to be 1 out of the 2 left.

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      • Andrewjgwilt1989 - 25/06/2016 05:18

        Ok then. Properly Abellio could win the West Midlands franchise once they lose the East Anglia rail franchise to either National Express or First Group in October.

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  • FrankH - 24/06/2016 22:38

    More money to be made in the South West, more chance of expansion and shiny new trains. Plus all those season ticket holders paying a bundle. Cynical yes but probably true.

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