The Department of Transport have announced 13 firms that are in the bidding process as the next operators of Great Western, Thameslink and Essex Thameside rail franchises.

FirstGroup has been announced as a bidder for all three rail franchises, Stagecoach and National Express for two and Go-Ahead as a bidder for one. New operators are required to provide improved services and greater accessibility in tickets purchasing.

Theresa Villiers, Rail Minister, said: "The Government is engaged in the biggest programme of refranchising since the privatisation of the railways."