On Thursday 6th December, Rugby MP Mark Pawsey attended the Chamber of the House of Commons to hear the Transport Secretary announce that Virgin trains had been awarded a 23 month contract to continue to run the West Coast Mainline. After the Transport Secretary had finished his announcement Mark spoke up on behalf of Rugby residents and told the Transport Secretary his announcement would be welcomed in Rugby.
Speaking afterwards, Mark said:
“This new short term rail franchise is good news for Rugby rail users. Not only does it mean there is a consistency of services for the foreseeable future but Rugby is actually set to benefit from a new service from Scotland for the first time since 2008. I am glad I had the opportunity to tell the Transport secretary that this news would be welcomed by Rugby residents”.
Mark continued:
"Since becoming Rugby’s MP in 2010 the overwhelming comments I receive from constituents about Rugby’s rail network is that Virgin have provided significant improvements to the service on the West Coast Mail Line. With the next franchise period due in two years time, it will be for both Virgin and other bidders to put in their best offers to provide the service”.