Wales & Borders franchise


The Wales & Borders franchise is a railway franchise for passenger services in the United Kingdom, currently operated by Transport for Wales.

History

Wales & Borders

In March 2000, the Shadow Strategic Rail Authority announced plans to create a separate Wales & Borders franchise. In October 2001, the Valley Lines and Wales & West franchises were restructured as Wales & Borders and Wessex Trains, with the former taking responsibility for most services in Wales, including the Cambrian line services from Central Trains. All franchises were operated by National Express.
In September 2003, the services from Birmingham New Street, Crewe and Manchester Piccadilly to Llandudno and Holyhead, as well as those between Bidston and Wrexham Central and Llandudno and Blaenau Ffestiniog, operated by First North Western, were transferred to the Wales & Borders franchise.

Arriva Trains Wales

In October 2002, a shortlist of Arriva, Connex/GB Railways, National Express and Serco-Abellio were invited to bid for the next franchise. In December 2003, Arriva commenced a 15-year contract to operate the franchise until 2018, trading as Arriva Trains Wales.

Transport for Wales

In October 2016, Abellio, Arriva, a Keolis/Amey joint venture and MTR Corporation were shortlisted to bid for the next franchise. It is operated by the Transport for Wales brand. In October 2017, Arriva withdrew from the bidding process. Abellio withdrew in February 2018 following the collapse of its partner Carillion in January. In May 2018, it was awarded to KeolisAmey Wales Cymru for a 15-year period from 14 October 2018 in a contract worth £5bn. The contract will deliver much-needed investment in the Welsh network, including: