FirstGroup said it has extended its current arrangements for the West Coast Rail partnership with the Department for Transport.
Current terms were due to expire this month, the London-listed transport services provider said, but have now been extended to 15 October 2023 under broadly the same terms and conditions.
The contract comprises the operation of Avanti West Coast, an intercity rail services operator, while also acting as the shadow operator to the HS2 programme which links London to the north.
Discussions are ongoing with the Department of Transport for the longer-term National Rail Contract for West Coast Rail, FirstGroup added.
“Today’s agreement allows our team to continue their focus on delivering their robust plans to continue enhancing services for our customers, including further progress on our train upgrade and refurbishment programme,” said chief executive Graham Sutherland.
The group also announced that Andy Mellors has been named as manager of Avanti with immediate effect.
He previously held roles at South Western Railway and Great Western Railway and takes over from Steve Montgomery, who has been acting managing director since last September.