ScotRail Franchise Replacement

Descriptions

Transport Scotland is implementing its procurement strategy for the replacement of the existing ScotRail Passenger Franchise. Under this notice Transport Scotland is seeking to appoint an appropriately experienced and qualified operator to operate the ScotRail Passenger Services Franchise (the “ScotRail Services”).Expressions of interest are now being sought from the market. Shortlisted potential operators will receive the Invitation to Tender planned to be issued in January 2014. It is anticipated that the successful bidder will be announced in October 2014 with the contract commencing in April 2015.It is anticipated that the maximum length of the franchise will be 10 years (subject to the exercise of a discretionary option to extend for up to 26 reporting periods). There will be an appropriate mobilisation period prior to the commencement of operations in April 2015.The existing ScotRail Franchise currently includes the provision of the Caledonian Sleeper Services. From the expiry of the existing ScotRail Franchise, it is anticipated that the Caledonian Sleeper Service will be delivered under a separate Franchise Agreement. Transport Scotland is engaged in a separate procurement process for the Caledonian Sleeper Service.The ScotRail Franchise will involve the operation of intercity services between Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness, Aberdeen, Perth, Dundee and Stirling together with a number of commuter, tourist and sub-urban routes.The franchise operator will also be required to manage the delivery of the EGIP electrification programme and the procurement and delivery of the EGIP rolling stock.The franchise operator will be required to actively promote social, economic and environmental interests in the delivery of the franchise. Contract performance conditions may therefore relate to particular social, economic and environmental considerations.Further details will be set out in the Invitation to Tender.