First Capital Connect could lose rail franchise

Fri 29 Jan 2010

The Thameslink service between Bedford and Brighton could be renationalised in the wake of recent disruption.

Commuters who use the line have recently been affected by an industrial dispute among train drivers regarding pay.

Transport secretary Lord Adonis has described franchise holder First Capital Connect's running of the service as unacceptable.

Speaking to the Times, he confirmed that he is now "considering all options" that are available to him, such as taking it into public ownership.

Lord Adonis criticised the cancellation rate on the Thameslink route, as well as the standard of passenger service, information and punctuality.

Transport minister Sadiq Khan has also failed to rule out the possibility of renationalising the franchise.

Speaking in Parliament, he said "all options are on the table", as regular users of the lines have received an "appalling service" over a three-month period.

This comes shortly after the East Coast Main Line rail franchise was taken under government control, a move that Lord Adonis said could cost the state at least £50 million.