The boss of train company First Capital Connect (FCC) has admitted his disappointment at losing the right to operate Welwyn Hatfield’s services, but promised a smooth handover in September.
The Government announced this morning that a seven-year franchise covering routes connecting Hatfield, Welwyn Garden City and Potters Bar with London and Cambridge will be awarded to a joint venture, known as Govia, between the Go-Ahead Group and French company Keolis.
FCC managing director David Statham said: “We are of course disappointed that FirstGroup has not been selected as the operator for the TSGN (Thameslink, Southern, and Great Northern) franchise.
“We will work with Govia in order to ensure the smooth transition of operations.
“Everyone at FCC is committed to continue operating to the highest possible standards until the new franchise begins.
“We look forward to delivering continued improvements in service reliability, customer information and customer service until September 2014.”
For more reaction, and details of Govia’s plans to improve services, see next week’s Welwyn Hatfield Times.
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