Great Western rail passenger franchise

The Department for Transport is seeking a franchisee to operate the Great Western rail passenger franchise, a large and complex transport system providing long-distance, commuter, regional and branch-line train services across a network extending from London Paddington to the Midlands, South Wales, West of England, South Coast, and Devon and Cornwall, serving approximately 208 stations. The franchise encompasses services to key locations including London, Reading, Bristol, Cardiff, Swansea, Exeter, Plymouth, and Penzance, with an estimated contract value of £679 million and submissions due by 19 July 2028.