Public transport group Stagecoach will continue to operate the East Midlands franchise for six months after it was due to end.
The option to extend through to October next year written into the original franchise agreement for the St Pancras to Liverpool line was invoked by the Department for Transport yesterday.
Perth-based Stagecoach has operated the franchise since 2007 and it was due to come to an end next April.
The group is now hoping to extend through to 2017 and is in negotiations with the DfT on a planned direct award.
Stagecoach Group CEO Martin Griffiths said: “East Midlands Trains is currently investing over £40 million to improve stations across its network and every single passenger train within its fleet.
“It has been the UK’s most punctual long-distance train operator for the past four years and we are committed to improving services further for our customers.
“We are continuing to discuss with the DfT its plans for the East Midlands franchise through to October 2017, and we look forward to an agreement being reached in due course,” Mr Griffiths added.
