"Colin" wrote in message ...
"Stevie" wrote in message
.. .
gwr4090 wrote:
The SRA has announced this morning that First Group has been selected as
the preferred bidder to run the Thames Trains franchise from 1 April
2004
to 31 March 2006. No details yet of what impact this will have on train
services to be provided. There are still two options under
consideration.

SRA announcement:

http://195.157.46.131/news/20031104_...ra nchise.tt2

First Group press release:
http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/n...e.php?item=159


Interestingly..

Looking way WAY ahead 15 years or so you'll have First Great Western
running all the services out of Paddington, First Great Eastern running
all the services out of Liverpool Street.

And then there'll be Crossrail running between the two stations...will
this be 'First Crossrail'?

Place your bets...


You are assuming that Crossrail would be let by the SRA as a normal
franchise.

If London Rail (TfL) have anything to do with it (and they do seeing as they
are joint partners with the SRA in the project) Crossrail will come under
their authority.

Colin

Anything about Ealing Bdy getting more services from this? I think the
stop should really be put on the Thames Express services if not the
GWR mainline.

I'd say it looks like First would be lining up for Crossrail should it
come up for tender, is it wise to let these companies effectively turn
into what could become a new big four?