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Petition calls for Virgin to keep West Coast Mainline route | Petition calls for Virgin to keep West Coast Mainline route |
(40 minutes later) | |
Thousands of people have backed an online petition calling for the government to reconsider its decision over the West Coast Mainline franchise. | Thousands of people have backed an online petition calling for the government to reconsider its decision over the West Coast Mainline franchise. |
Virgin Rail lost its bid to continue running the line and will be replaced by rival rail operator FirstGroup. | Virgin Rail lost its bid to continue running the line and will be replaced by rival rail operator FirstGroup. |
More than 18,000 people have signed the government e-petition, started by Ross McKillop, saying Virgin has "delivered a reliable service for 15 years". | More than 18,000 people have signed the government e-petition, started by Ross McKillop, saying Virgin has "delivered a reliable service for 15 years". |
FirstGroup said it would bring in key improvements for passengers. | |
If more than 100,000 signatures are received, MPs may decide to debate the issue in Parliament. | |
First Group, the UK's largest rail operator, will take over the franchise from 9 December and is set to operate the service until 2026. | First Group, the UK's largest rail operator, will take over the franchise from 9 December and is set to operate the service until 2026. |
'Seek public opinion' | 'Seek public opinion' |
The firm said it would introduce 11 new 125mph six-car electric trains on the Birmingham-to-Glasgow route and provide more direct services between destinations. | The firm said it would introduce 11 new 125mph six-car electric trains on the Birmingham-to-Glasgow route and provide more direct services between destinations. |
However, thousands have backed the petition which says: "The West Coast Mainline's current value is thanks to millions of pounds of investment and commitment from Virgin Trains - they're not perfect, none are - but they have delivered a reliable service for 15 years and turned the line around." | However, thousands have backed the petition which says: "The West Coast Mainline's current value is thanks to millions of pounds of investment and commitment from Virgin Trains - they're not perfect, none are - but they have delivered a reliable service for 15 years and turned the line around." |
The signatories call for the government to "seek public opinion in these franchise bids". | The signatories call for the government to "seek public opinion in these franchise bids". |
"The government should look at more than the highest bidder - look what happened with G4S at London 2012." | "The government should look at more than the highest bidder - look what happened with G4S at London 2012." |
Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson has urged people to back the campaign, but added it had been set up independently of Virgin by a member of the public. | Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson has urged people to back the campaign, but added it had been set up independently of Virgin by a member of the public. |
In a blog on the Virgin website, he said: "The final decision has not been signed off and we want as much support as possible to force the government to reassess this ill-judged decision." | In a blog on the Virgin website, he said: "The final decision has not been signed off and we want as much support as possible to force the government to reassess this ill-judged decision." |
'Fare cuts' | |
The government says FirstGroup's new trains should add a further 12,000 seats a day on West Coast routes from 2016. | The government says FirstGroup's new trains should add a further 12,000 seats a day on West Coast routes from 2016. |
While FirstGroup said it already ran an award-winning service and was looking forward to welcoming new passengers. | |
"As a result of our plans, West Midlands customers travelling with us will use faster brand new trains with more seats, serving more destinations than the current service," a spokesman said. | |
"There will be improved wi-fi, better catering, a refurbished station at Coventry and importantly we'll be cutting standard anytime fares by 15% on average." | |
About 31 million passengers travel on the West Coast Mainline every year. | About 31 million passengers travel on the West Coast Mainline every year. |