On Wednesday 12th September, Rugby MP Mark Pawsey met with Richard Parry, the Managing Director of FirstGroup’s Intercity West Coast Franchise Bid, to seek reassurances that Rugby’s rail services would not be negatively affected by FirstGroup taking over Virgin’s operations on the West Coast Main Line.
Speaking after the meeting, Mark said:“Rugby has enjoyed a very good service from Virgin trains over the years and I know constituents of mine were worried that this new franchise might affect this. That is why I asked to meet with Richard to discuss FirstGroup’s plans for the service”.
Mark continued:
“I looked Richard in the eye and sought assurances that our service would be protected and he reiterated FirstGroup’s commitment to Rugby and our frequency of trains and journey times which is obviously good news”.
“I am grateful to FirstGroup for their reassurances and I hope services on the West Coast Main Line will continue to go from strength to strength otherwise I will definitely be asking for another meeting.”
Mark has sought written assurances from the Government regarding FirstGroup’s bid.
Mark concluded:
“I have also received similar reassurances from Government Ministers Theresa Villiers and Simon Burns who have both stated in letters to me their belief that FirstGroup’s bid is the best deal for passengers and the tax payer given their commitment to increase capacity, introduce new services and cut fares within the first two years of the franchise.”