Editing Virgin Trains (section)

==History==
[[File:Stagecoach and Virgin Trains structure.svg|thumb|left|260px|Diagram of the ownership of TOCs between Virgin and Stagecoach]]
[[File:87029 & 221108 at Stafford.jpg|thumb|[[British Rail Class 87|Class 87]] at [[Stafford station|Stafford]] in 2002]]
Amid the [[privatisation of British Rail]] during the mid 1990s, the newly-formed [[Virgin Rail Group]] submitted multiple bids to operate several different train franchises, including [[Gatwick Express]], [[Virgin CrossCountry|InterCity CrossCountry]] and [[InterCity West Coast]].<ref>[https://www.independent.co.uk/news/national-express-wins-gatwick-rail-franchise-1303118.html "National Express wins Gatwick rail franchise"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225180748/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/national-express-wins-gatwick-rail-franchise-1303118.html |date=25 December 2018 }} ''[[The Independent]]'' 4 April 1996</ref> It was successful in winning the latter two, leading to [[Virgin CrossCountry]] and ''Virgin West Coast'' (commonly referred to as ''Virgin Trains'') commencing operations in January and March 1997 respectively.<ref>[https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/virgin-to-run-crosscountry-trains-1352306.html "Virgin to run CrossCountry trains"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107055841/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/virgin-to-run-crosscountry-trains-1352306.html |date=7 November 2017 }} ''The Independent'' 14 November 1996</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/virgin-pledges-tilt-trains-for-west-coast-1286084.html |title=Virgin pledges tilt trains for West Coast |first=Michael |last=Harrison |date=31 January 1997|work=The Independent |access-date=4 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170820034655/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/virgin-pledges-tilt-trains-for-west-coast-1286084.html |archive-date=20 August 2017}}</ref>

One of Virgin's franchise commitments was to replace the [[British Rail]]-era locomotives and rolling stock inherited by Virgin West Coast with brand new [[tilting train]]s..<ref name="samath">{{cite web |url= http://www.samathieson.com/bigtrain.htm |publisher= Mathieson, SA |date= March 2002 |title= Full tilt: Virgin's 140mph Pendolino trains |access-date=13 May 2011 |archive-date=27 September 2013 |url-status= live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130927124004/http://www.samathieson.com/bigtrain.htm }}</ref> It was expected that the Pendolinos would run at service speeds of up to {{cvt|140|mph|0|abbr=on}} and that the whole fleet would be delivered by May 2002.<ref name="knig 2000">{{cite magazine |last=Knight |first=Stephen |url=https://railm.blob.core.windows.net/website/1/rail-archive/rail-345.pdf |title=Virgin's first West Coast tilt train 'on test by July 2000' |magazine=[[Rail (magazine)|Rail]] |publisher=[[Ascential|EMAP Apex Publications]] |issn=0953-4563 |oclc=49953699 |date=2 December 1998 |issue=345 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520054904/https://railm.blob.core.windows.net/website/1/rail-archive/rail-345.pdf |archive-date=20 May 2018 |url-status=live |access-date=13 November 2011 }}</ref><ref name = "pend launch">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/pendolino-to-attack-the-london-manchester-market.html |url-access=registration |title=Pendolino to attack the London - Manchester market |last=Hughes |first=Murray |magazine=[[Railway Gazette International]] |publisher=[[DVV Media Group]] |issn=0373-5346 |location=Sutton |date=1 February 2003 |access-date=13 November 2019 |archive-date=28 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190728172847/https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/pendolino-to-attack-the-london-manchester-market.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In order for tilting trains to be operated, Railtrack had committed itself to upgrading the [[West Coast Main Line]] as to permit 140&nbsp;mph operation by 2005. The line's modernisation was slowed by spiralling costs, rising from an estimated £2 billion to roughly £10 billion,<ref>{{cite web |url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/565507.stm |title = Repair costs spiral to £5bn |publisher = BBC News |date = 15 December 1999 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131110021245/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/565507.stm |archive-date = 10 November 2013 |df = dmy-all}}</ref> while the programme had failures that were technical as well as managerial, such as the [[moving block]] signalling apparatus being immature for such a busy mixed-traffic mainline.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2004/apr/01/transport.uk |title = The main players in the £10bn rail fiasco |work = The Guardian |first = James |last = Meek |date = 1 April 2004 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title = The Modernisation of the West Coast Main Line |url = https://www.nao.org.uk/report/the-modernisation-of-the-west-coast-main-line/ |access-date = 21 July 2021 |website = [[National Audit Office (United Kingdom)|National Audit Office]] |date = 22 November 2006 |language = en-gb |archive-date = 21 July 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210721150856/https://www.nao.org.uk/report/the-modernisation-of-the-west-coast-main-line/ |url-status = live}}</ref> Railtrack would ultimately collapse while its successor, [[Network Rail]], would also be unable to fully deliver the promised upgrade, heavily impacting Virgin West Coast's operations.<ref name = "wolmar 2005">{{cite web |last = Christian |first = Wolmar |work = [[The Guardian]] |date = 16 July 2005 |url = https://www.theguardian.com/comment/story/0,3604,1529802,00.html |title = Forget Byers: the scandal was in the original sell-off: Railtrack was heading for disaster long before the Hatfield crash}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200203/cmselect/cmtran/125/125ap10.htm |title=Supplementary memorandum by the Strategic Rail Authority |publisher=House of Commons |date=22 July 2002}}</ref> The upgrade programme would be cut back: as a result, the top speed was reduced to 125&nbsp;mph.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1437012/West-Coast-railway-upgrade-under-threat.html |title=West Coast railway upgrade under threat |date=24 July 2003 |newspaper=The Telegraph |access-date=31 March 2020}}</ref>

Virgin Trains' franchise was originally due to expire in March 2012. During mid 2009, Virgin founder [[Richard Branson]] launched a campaign to have the next franchise period extended for 20 to 30 years, so that Virgin could spend more on infrastructure and see a return on its investment.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/874d0afe-44cb-11de-82d6-00144feabdc0.html |title=Branson urges £1bn rail spend |date=20 May 2009 |access-date=25 May 2009 |newspaper=[[Financial Times]] |location=London |first=Robert |last=Wright |archive-date=26 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090626011646/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/874d0afe-44cb-11de-82d6-00144feabdc0.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Branson said the journey time between London and Birmingham could be reduced by 22 minutes to under one hour. This approach was turned down by the [[Department for Transport]]. Virgin proceeded to apply for a two-year extension, but this was also ruled out by the Department of Transport on legal grounds.<ref>{{cite news |title=No extension for Virgin |first=Roger |last=Ford |author-link=Roger Ford (journalist) |work=[[Modern Railways]] |page=7 |date=November 2010}}</ref>

In January 2011, the Department for Transport called for expressions of interest in bidding for the next InterCity West Coast franchise.<ref>[http://assets.dft.gov.uk/publications/intercity-west-coast-franchise/ojeunotice.pdf Official Journal of the European Union Notice] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606091753/http://assets.dft.gov.uk/publications/intercity-west-coast-franchise/ojeunotice.pdf |date=6 June 2013 }} OJEU 11 January 2011</ref> In March 2011, the Department announced that [[Abellio (transport company)|Abellio]], [[FirstGroup]], [[Keolis]]/[[SNCF]] and Virgin Rail Group had been shortlisted to bid for the franchise.<ref>{{cite press release |url= http://assets.dft.gov.uk/publications/intercity-west-coast-franchise/franchisebidders.pdf |title= Shortlisted Bidders for Greater Anglia and InterCity West Coast Franchises |publisher= Department for Transport |date= 24 March 2011 |access-date= 6 June 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130606094818/http://assets.dft.gov.uk/publications/intercity-west-coast-franchise/franchisebidders.pdf |archive-date= 6 June 2013 |url-status= dead |df= dmy-all }}</ref> In May 2011, the [[Secretary of State for Transport]] announced that the end date had been postponed to allow the recommendations in the McNulty Report to be absorbed.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.theguardian.com/business/2011/may/15/west-coast-sale-delayed |title = Transport minister Philip Hammond delays Virgin Trains' west coast sale |publisher = [[The Observer]] |date = 15 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201212828/https://www.theguardian.com/business/2011/may/15/west-coast-sale-delayed |archive-date=1 December 2016 }}</ref> In October 2011, the Department announced that Virgin had been granted a franchise extension until December 2012.<ref>{{cite press release |url= http://www.dft.gov.uk/news/press-releases/dft-press-20111027b/ |title= West Coast passengers in line for 28,000 extra seats as franchise extension signed |publisher= Department for Transport |date= 27 October 2011 |access-date= 16 September 2012 |archive-date= 25 September 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120925065727/http://www.dft.gov.uk/news/press-releases/dft-press-20111027b/ |url-status= live }}</ref>

An [[Invitation to tender]] was issued to the shortlisted bidders in January 2012,<ref>{{cite press release |url= http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/rail-passenger-franchise-intercity-west-coast/ |title= InterCity West Coast franchise |publisher= Department for Transport |date= 20 January 2012 |access-date= 17 September 2012 |archive-date= 25 September 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120925020420/http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/rail-passenger-franchise-intercity-west-coast/ |url-status= live }}</ref> and the Department for Transport awarded FirstGroup the new franchise in August 2012.<ref>{{cite press release |url= http://www.dft.gov.uk/news/press-releases/dft-press-20120815a/ |title= New operator for West Coast passengers |publisher= Department for Transport |date= 15 August 2012 |access-date= 9 November 2012 |archive-date= 31 October 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121031022300/http://www.dft.gov.uk/news/press-releases/dft-press-20120815a/ |url-status= live }}</ref> Virgin spoke out against this decision, claiming that the methodology used to award the franchise was flawed, while Richard Branson stated that it was unlikely Virgin would bid for any future franchises.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/9476519/Richard-Branson-attacks-Government-insanity-after-Virgin-Trains-loses-West-Coast-rail-contract.html |title = Richard Branson attacks Government 'insanity' after Virgin loses West Coast contract |publisher = [[The Daily Telegraph]] |date = 15 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901124554/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/9476519/Richard-Branson-attacks-Government-insanity-after-Virgin-Trains-loses-West-Coast-rail-contract.html |archive-date=1 September 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-19264614 |title = Virgin Trains loses West Coast Mainline franchise |publisher = BBC News |date = 15 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819211411/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-19264614 |archive-date=19 August 2018 }}</ref> When the DfT did not directly respond to Virgin's concerns, the operator launched proceedings for a [[judicial review]].<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19402133 |title = Virgin Trains takes West Coast Main Line court action |publisher = BBC News |date = 28 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928103340/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19402133 |archive-date=28 September 2018 }}</ref>

During October 2012, the Secretary of State announced that the government was cancelling the franchise competition for the InterCity West Coast franchise after discovering significant technical flaws in the way the franchise process was conducted, reversing the decision to award it to FirstGroup. Following an independent review of the franchising process, a fresh competition would be held.<ref>{{cite press release |url= http://www.dft.gov.uk/news/press-releases/dft-press-20121003a |title= West Coast Main Line franchise competition cancelled |publisher= Department for Transport |date= 3 October 2012 |access-date= 2 October 2012 |archive-date= 10 October 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121010151357/http://www.dft.gov.uk/news/press-releases/dft-press-20121003a/ |url-status= live }}</ref> The government announced that it would negotiate with Virgin Trains to run the InterCity West Coast franchise for a further 9 to 13 months.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19944782 "Virgin to run West Coast route 'for at least nine months'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180822022018/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19944782 |date=22 August 2018 }}. ''BBC News''. 15 October 2012.</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url= http://www.dft.gov.uk/news/press-releases/press-dft-20121015a/ |title= Department for Transport to negotiate with Virgin on temporary operation of West Coast rail services |publisher= Department for Transport |date= 15 October 2012 |access-date= 16 October 2012 |archive-date= 17 October 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121017232908/http://www.dft.gov.uk/news/press-releases/press-dft-20121015a |url-status= live }}</ref> In December 2012, Virgin was awarded a 23-month management contract to run the franchise until 9 November 2014.<ref>{{cite press release |url= https://www.gov.uk/government/news/virgin-trains-to-run-improved-west-coast-services |title= Virgin Trains to run improved west coast services |publisher= Department for Transport |date= 6 December 2012 |access-date= 8 December 2012 |archive-date= 7 December 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121207154634/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/virgin-trains-to-run-improved-west-coast-services |url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/9725897/Two-year-extension-for-Virgin-Rail-after-West-Coast-chaos.html |title = Two-year extension for Virgin Rail after West Coast chaos |publisher = The Daily Telegraph |date = 5 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225175411/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/9725897/Two-year-extension-for-Virgin-Rail-after-West-Coast-chaos.html |archive-date=25 December 2018 }}</ref>

In March 2013, the Secretary of State announced that the franchise would again be extended until 31 March 2017.<ref name=SecretaryofState26Mar13>[https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/franchise-announcement "Railway plan puts new focus on passengers"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130813220726/https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/franchise-announcement |date=13 August 2013 }}. Secretary of State for Transport. 26 March 2013.</ref> During May 2013, there was a controversy regarding new uniforms, with claims that the blouses were too revealing and potentially exposed dark [[brassiere|bra]]s to the public. Virgin Rail Group responded to this by offering a voucher worth £20 to allow employees to purchase a top to wear underneath the new blouses.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bra wars: Virgin Trains in row over see-through uniforms |url=https://www.aol.co.uk/2013/05/08/virgin-trains-staff-bra-vouchers-see-through-uniforms/ |publisher=AOL Travel UK |access-date=22 August 2013 |date=8 May 2013 |archive-date=19 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919211156/https://www.aol.co.uk/2013/05/08/virgin-trains-staff-bra-vouchers-see-through-uniforms/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

In July 2013, the [[Office of Rail Regulation]] rejected an application by Virgin Trains to operate new services to [[Shrewsbury railway station|Shrewsbury]] and [[Blackpool North railway station|Blackpool North]], citing capacity constraints on the West Coast Main Line.<ref>[http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/wct-4sa-decision-letter-2013-07-31.pdf West Coast Trains Limited 4th Supplemental Agreement]{{Dead link|date=February 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Office of Rail Regulation 31 July 2013</ref> In November 2013, a revised application for services to Shrewsbury and Blackpool North was approved, and the services started in December 2014.<ref>{{cite press release |url= http://www.virgintrains.com/about/media-room/#/pressreleases/update-direct-london-shrewsbury-rail-services-949231 |title= Update: Direct London-Shrewsbury rail services |publisher= Virgin Trains |date= 15 January 2014 |access-date= 16 January 2014 |archive-date= 16 January 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140116132849/http://www.virgintrains.com/about/media-room/#/pressreleases/update-direct-london-shrewsbury-rail-services-949231 |url-status= live }}</ref>

During November 2016, the franchise was further extended until March 2019.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/Rail-News/major-franchise-combines-wcml-services-with-hs2-in-seamless-integration |title=Franchise combines WCML services with HS2 in 'seamless integration' |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218211035/http://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/Rail-News/major-franchise-combines-wcml-services-with-hs2-in-seamless-integration |archive-date=18 December 2019}}</ref> In February 2018, the contract was yet again extended until March 2019, with an option to extend it further to March 2020.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42945709 |title=Stagecoach to lose East Coast Mainline rail franchise |date=5 February 2018 |work=BBC News |access-date=5 February 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218211317/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42945709 |archive-date=18 December 2019}}</ref> In March 2018, it was announced that the contract would end in September 2019 when the new [[West Coast Partnership]] franchise would commence.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://buyingbusinesstravel.com/news/2728607-government-launches-bidding-west-coast-franchise |title=Government launches bids for West Coast franchise |date=27 March 2018 |access-date=27 March 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218211149/https://buyingbusinesstravel.com/news/2728607-government-launches-bidding-west-coast-franchise/ |archive-date=18 December 2019 |publisher=Buying Business Travel}}</ref>

In December 2018, it was announced that Virgin Trains had been granted a one-year extension until March 2020.<ref name="theguardian1">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/dec/23/virgin-trains-extension-west-coast-mainline-march-2020 |title=Virgin Trains gets one-year extension to run west coast mainline |date=23 December 2018 |newspaper=The Guardian |access-date=24 December 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218211416/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/dec/23/virgin-trains-extension-west-coast-mainline-march-2020 |archive-date=18 December 2019}}</ref> In April 2019, Stagecoach revealed that it had been disqualified from the franchises it was bidding for, including the West Coast Partnership.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.railjournal.com/passenger/main-line/stagecoach-disqualified-from-bidding-for-three-british-franchises/ |title = Stagecoach disqualified from bidding for three British franchises |publisher = [[International Railway Journal]] |date = 10 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/virgin-trains-end-franchise-rail-lose-bid-pensions-london-euston-edinburgh-a8862811.html |title = Virgin Trains to disappear in less than a year due to pensions row |work = The Independent |date = 10 April 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190410105815/https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/virgin-trains-end-franchise-rail-lose-bid-pensions-london-euston-edinburgh-a8862811.html |archive-date = 10 April 2019 }}</ref> One month later, the company announced that it would mount a legal challenge to its disqualification.<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.bbc.com/news/business-48393911 |title = Stagecoach takes legal action over West Coast franchise |work = [[BBC News]] |date = 24 May 2019}}</ref> On 17 June 2020, the [[High Court of Justice|High Court]] ruled against the company and that the decision had been lawful.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk/procurement-and-contracts/402-procurement-news/44043-decision-to-disqualify-bidders-from-rail-franchise-procurements-was-lawful-high-court |title = Decision to disqualify bidders from rail franchise procurements was lawful: High Court |publisher = localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk |date = 17 June 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.cips.org/supply-management/news/2020/june/stagecoach-disappointed-by-high-court-ruling-on-rail-bid-ban/ |title = Stagecoach 'disappointed' by High Court ruling on rail bid ban |publisher = [[Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply]] |first = Charlie |last = Hart |date = 18 June 2020 |access-date = 14 August 2023 |archive-date = 3 July 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220703214632/https://www.cips.org/supply-management/news/2020/june/stagecoach-disappointed-by-high-court-ruling-on-rail-bid-ban/ |url-status = dead }}</ref>

In August 2019, it was announced that the Inter-City West Coast franchise had been awarded to [[Avanti West Coast]], thus confirming that Virgin Trains would cease to operate trains after 7 December 2019.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.londonstockexchange.com/exchange/news/market-news/market-news-detail/FGP/14187853.html |title=Firstgroup and Trenitalia Welcome West Coast Partnership Award |date=14 August 2019 |work=London Stock Exchange|access-date=14 August 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218211517/https://www.londonstockexchange.com/exchange/news/market-news/market-news-detail/FGP/14187853.html |archive-date=18 December 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url = https://www.gov.uk/cma-cases/first-rail-holdings-trenitalia-uk-west-coast-partnership-rail-franchise |title = First Rail Holdings & Trenitalia UK / West Coast Partnership Rail Franchise |website = GOV.UK |access-date = 27 October 2019}}</ref> The final Virgin Trains service was the 21:42 service from [[Euston railway station|London Euston]] to [[Wolverhampton railway station|Wolverhampton]] arriving at 23:45.