FirstGroup Loses Hertford North Franchise

First Capital Connect have lost their bid to continue running services at Hertford North Station.

The franchise for the enlarged Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern network has been awarded to Govia, a joint venture between the Go-Ahead group and Keolis, who are 70% owned by SNCF, the state-owned French rail operator.

Govia will introduce a fleet of new Class 700 trains from 2016.

The franchise will run for seven years from September this year.