Mark Pawsey MP has welcomed news that West Coast Trains Limited (Virgin) are to continue to provide services on the InterCity West Coast rail franchise for two years and nine months, providing a continuity of service until the start of the next competed franchise expected in April 2017.
Mark said “This announcement has secured £35 million of benefits for passengers using West Coast rail, including 5,500 more standard class seats per day, free Wi-Fi at all Virgin stations and improved Wi-Fi services on board trains.
“As a regular user myself, I am particularly pleased that the number of Standard Class seats on trains will be increased by 5500 seats per day, a net increase of 2100 seats, as 21 trains will have their First Class carriages converted to Standard Class capacity. I also look forward to greater development with all trains having eleven, possibly twelve, carriages.
“In support of the Government’s commitment to getting people into employment, Virgin have agreed to create jobs including apprenticeships and traineeships for young and unemployed people. They have also committed to continue the policy that all Virgin employees are paid the Living Wage as a minimum standard.”