After weeks of clearly well-informed speculation, today saw the formal announcement that Virgin Trains will cease to run after close of play on Saturday 8th December 2012, and the WCML franchise will pass to First Group from Sunday 9th December.
Naturally, FirstGroup are delighted at their coup - see press release and web page - whilst Virgin Trains are devastated (see Richard's Blog) but what will it mean for Birmingham to London passengers?
Well, the only two details that I have gleaned so far that could affect this route is first, that a cut of 15% is promised in standard anytime fares within two years, and secondly, that the 'cliff edge' of fare difference between First and Standard is to be tackled. This latter promise is to be welcomed as most Virgin Pendolinos run with near-empty First Class carriages outside the peak hours Monday-Friday...
Let the countdown begin!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment