First West Coast

[First Class]

First Group Win
As predicted, First Group have won the Intercity West Coast Franchise, to start in December 2012.

http://www.dft.gov.uk/news/press-release...-20120815a
http://www.firstgroup.com/assets/pdfs/in...150812.pdf

Some key points:

Introducing new direct services from London to Blackpool, Telford, Shrewsbury and Bolton providing a new direct link to the capital for more than 500,000 people
Installation of automatic ticket gates installation at 21 stations, including the major terminals of London Euston, Manchester Piccadilly, Liverpool Lime St and Glasgow Central
Smart ticketing introduced across the network
Free upgraded high speed Wi-Fi, and enhanced mobile phone coverage following train refurbishment
Reducing Standard Anytime fares by 15% on average, this could potentially take £40.00 of a Liverpool-London "peak" return.