There's one aspect of rail Privatisation and franchising we've learned to get used to over the past 25 years - its unpredictable nature. The news Stagecoach Group not only failed in its bid to retain the East Midlands franchise, but was also disqualified from bidding for the Southeastern and lucrative West Coast Partnership franchises, was not only a surprise, it could well deter the company and indeed others from investing in rail. Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson has said the Virgin Trains name could disappear by November.
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