National Express receives extension of c2c franchise

National Express Group PLC is pleased to have been awarded an extension of the c2c rail franchise by the Department for Transport (DfT).

 The franchise will now run for a period of up to two years to 26 May 2013; it was due to expire in May 2011. 

 Dean Finch, Chief Executive, National Express Group said: “We are delighted to have been awarded the extension.  It is testament to our highly professional team who have made c2c one of the best performing train operators in Britain.

 “We are resolute in our commitment to customer service and are determined to continue delivering the highest standards of train service performance, reliability and customer satisfaction.”

 The agreement to extend the c2c franchise will provide a continuity of service for rail passengers. In addition to the continued focus on train service performance, which has seen record-breaking levels of punctuality as high as 98.8%, the franchise extension will see c2c providing services for the London Olympics. 

 The franchise extension includes key commitments on additional train services and staffing during the 2012 Games.  Other benefits for passengers will include an improved frequency of service at West Ham for connections to Canary Wharf from December 2011 and station improvements.