Enterprise Rail Privatisation Franchise Process

[Titfield]

Can someone enlighten me as to what finally happened in the saga of the privatisation of the London Tilbury and Southend Line to Enterprise Rail.

I know that therewere allegations of a ticket fraud and as a result the handover to Enterprise Rail was stopped. Prism Rail eventually being awarded the franchise.

Is there a source for the full story?

TIA

 

[Merle Haggard]

It was said to be a form of ORCATS manipulation spotted by BR Auditors (not hard, due to program names, allegedly). I think the fact it was, very unusually for a successful bid, composed of BR staff may not have made it immensely popular with the government.

 

[pdeaves]

It was said to be a form of ORCATS manipulation spotted by BR Auditors (not hard, due to program names, allegedly). I think the fact it was, very unusually for a successful bid, composed of BR staff may not have made it immensely popular with the government.

The management in charge of the misappropriation saga was the same management that would have been in charge post-privatisation. The position was untenable.

 

[Bald Rick]

Basically, it was around travelcards. The revenue from Travelcards issued at Upminster for travel to London was shared with LU through ORCATs (the revenue allocation system). Revenue from Travelcsrds issued at Fenchurch Street went entirely to LTS (as was). Some bright spark thus arranged for lots of Travelcards to be issued at Fenchurch St on spec, then sent up to Upminster ready for punters to buy up there. Thus all the revenue for Travelcards bought at Upminster went to LTS, rather than being shared with LU.

Strictly speaking, it wasn’t fraud, but it certainly wasn’t Cricket.

 

[Titfield]

Great. Thanks

 

[Alfie1014]

There’s a very good account of the issue in John Nelson’s recent book on his time in the industry (sorry can’t quite remember the title at the moment and my copy is loan to a friend).

 

[Titfield]

Thanks! I have found the book.