KEOLIS and Eurostar International have announced they intend to launch a joint bid for the Intercity East Coast franchise.
The competition is highly controversial, because unions and others are calling for the present 'franchise' to remain state-owned. However, under present Department for Transport plans, the successful bidder is expected to be awarded a contract in October 2014, with the franchise starting in February 2015.
French company Keolis will be the lead partner in the bidding consortium while a minority share will be held by Eurostar, the majority of which is owned by the French state-owned operator SNCF.
Today's announcement said that 'the combination of Keolis’ proven franchise management skills and bid expertise, coupled with Eurostar’s record of customer service delivery and product innovation presents a compelling proposition for the future growth of East Coast services'.
Alistair Gordon, chief executive of Keolis UK, said: "I believe that our ability to draw upon an international track record of delivering complex long-distance services, coupled with Eurostar’s reputation for customer excellence, is a unique proposition.
“What’s exciting about the East Coast Main Line is that there is an opportunity to transform a hugely important national route, which is yet to see the same levels of investment as the West Coast Main Line.
“We feel that our pedigree of international rail know-how and specifically as delivery partner for the UK’s first domestic high-speed service, makes us ideally placed to realise the East Coast Mainline’s potential.
Eurostar chief executive Nicolas Petrovic added: “By joining forces with Keolis, we bring a unique blend of expertise and innovation with a fresh perspective. The East Coast franchise is a vital economic artery and a key route for both business and leisure passengers which represents an exciting opportunity for future growth and investment”.
It is the second major business development announced by Eurostar in just a few days. Before the weekend, Eurostar revealed that it is planning to run a twice-daily through service between London and Amsterdam from December 2016.