Virgin Rail loses West Coast Mainline franchise (From St Helens Star)
Send us news by text, start your message Star News and your send photos and videos to 80360
Virgin Rail loses West Coast Mainline franchise
8:44am Wednesday 15th August 2012 in News
IT has been confirmed today that Virgin Rail has lost its bid to continue running the West Coast Mainline and will be replaced by the UK's largest rail operator, FirstGroup.
Sir Richard Branson said Virgin's loss of the franchise was "very disappointing news".
Unions and rail campaigners have argued jobs will be cut, fares will rise and catering services will be cut back.
However, FirstGroup said it would "offer substantial improvements in the quality and frequency of services".
The route is used by passengers from St Helens who want to head to London via Liverpool and Wigan.
