UK: Transport for London has placed a notice in the Official Journal of the European Union seeking expressions of interest in the concession to operate future Crossrail services.
The concessionaire would start by taking over existing Shenfield - London Liverpool Street services which are expected to be separated from the Greater Anglia franchise in 2015. The concessionaire would initially use the existing rolling stock that is to be 'substantially replaced' by purpose-built Crossrail EMUs being procured by TfL.
The concessionaire would support the introduction of the new rolling stock, recruit and train staff, develop timetables and obtain safety certification for operations on the new Crossrail infrastructure under London. Ancillary requirements include entering into station and track access agreements and delivery of some station improvements.
TfL anticipates issuing the formal invitation to tender in the third quarter of 2013. The contracting entity will be its Rail for London Ltd subsidiary.