Virgin and FirstGroup have emerged as the two most preferred operators for tending the multibillion-pound contract for providing services over west coast rail.

The train service carried 30 million passengers last year and the contract has seen the two favourites carry out strong cost-cutting measures with reports of the removal of catering and shop services in carriages.

A successful bid by FirstGroup would make the company the dominant rail operator in the UK, operating Scotrail, First TransPennine, and First Capital Connect as well as shortlisted for other rail services.

This news comes as the Government sets to carry out the largest investment in UK rail infrastructure since the Victorian era with £9billion laid out for projects from 2014 to 2019.