EIGHT MORE WEEKS FOR LM

London Midland branch: unit No 150109 works the 08.39 Bletchley to Bedford service near Ridgmont on 11 June 2016.
Ken Brunt

THE DEPARTMENT for Transport is to extend the London Midland franchise, held by Govia, for a further eight weeks, under the existing franchise terms. The current deal runs out on 15 October, and Govia has been bidding against Abellio (in a joint venture with East Japan Railway Company and Mitsui) for the new franchise. However, the calling of the General Election is thought to have delayed the planned award of the new deal, which was due in June. A further eight-week extension could follow, taking the franchise to 4 February 2018; DfT must exercise this option by 18 August.