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With the Shadow Strategic Rail Authority seemingly a strategy free zone as far as Mk 1 stock replacement is concerned, a fall back option is emerging – DIY
As has been remarked before in this column, the regulation requiring the replacement or modification of Mk 1 stock by 31 December 2002 followed by withdrawal two years later has given Connex and Stagecoach strong bargaining hands when it comes to franchise renegotiation. My chums at SSRA don't agree and think that Connex and Stagecoach will replace the South Central and South West Trains fleets come what may.
So that's all right then, provided that Stagecoach gets an extension. Because the SWT franchise runs out less than five weeks after the 31 December 2002 deadline. So if Stagecoach is told that someone else has made a better offer for the franchise I could see Mk 1 renewal being left to that someone else.
But the SSRA believes that the rolling stock replacement programme for SWT, Networl South Central (and also Thameslink) does not depend on the identity of the franchisee, according to SSRA Chief Executive Mike Grant, 'There is nothing to say we (the SSRA) could not do Mk1 replacement ourselves'. That should get the ROSCOs' and train builders' attention
If this went ahead, it could bring a welcome breath of common sense. With TOCs currently competing to top Captain Deltic's Top 10 bonkers procurement exercises of all time, and shortlisting companies with no Railtrack approvals and safety case experience, the SSRA could have a policy of buying only proven products with at least Railtrack Interim (I) acceptance. Mike Grant seemed to agree when he told me ‘Deliverability is absolutely the key, there is no point in putting forward plans if they can't be delivered.