UK rail operators Stagecoach and Virgin are set to partner with French company SNCF to jointly bid for the West Coast Partnership rail franchise.

The franchise will include existing West Coast and new HS2 services, and is currently scheduled to run from 2019.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

Stagecoach Group chief executive Martin Griffiths said: “This creates a powerful world-class partnership, bringing together the team which has transformed inter-city rail travel in the UK with the most recognised and capable high speed operator in Europe.

“The new franchise has an important role to play in delivering the improvements and space on our railway that can support our communities and economy.”

Stagecoach will own 50% shareholding in the bid, with SNCF holding 30% stake and Virgin possessing the remaining 20%.

"The new franchise has an important role to play in delivering the improvements and space on our railway that can support our communities and economy."

SNCF chairman and CEO Guillaume Pepy said: “Today, we are delighted to announce this next step in our commitment to UK rail, working with partners who have demonstrated their own expertise in long distance rail services and are highly regarded in the industry.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“We appreciate Stagecoach’s widespread expertise across a variety of transport modes and Virgin’s reputation for its renowned customer experience. In partnership, we will deliver a successful HS2 service for the UK.”

Virgin, Stagecoach, and SNCF have previously worked together on the first stage of the West Coast Partnership bid and have submitted a formal expression of interest. They now intend to prepare for the ‘invitation to tender’, which is expected to be issued by the end of the year.

Stagecoach and Virgin are also working to operate the East Coast and West Coast inter-city routes under the Virgin Trains brand.