FGW franchise to end early?

[Nawdic]

m.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/mar/13/firstgroup-may-abandon-first-great-western-franchise?cat=business&type=article


Rather old link, but I'm only just been made aware of this....

Are they trying to raise money for their frankly absurd bid on the WCML franchise?

Discuss.

[JamieLei]

This is half the reason people are concerned about it. They have an opt-out clause for ending early, and they think it's better for them in a business sense. It's completely legit - there's no reason why they have to follow through the full franchise, and who would want to? The payments drastically escalate in the extension years. We've in the last week had Southern suddenly turn around and ask for funding.

[Dave]

This is what I've been saying all along - with First they have shown no desire to complete their current flagship franchise, and they will show no desire to complete the WC...