Since 1999 First Class Partnerships has been the UK's Operator of Last Resort. In the event of a franchise failing whilst still under contract to the Government, or in the event that the contract is terminated for any reason, First Class Partnerships is on standby to assume the reins in running the operation until such time as a further franchise can be let. Consequently FCP always has available highly experienced directors and managers capable of filling any key post from Board to functional level in a passenger train operating company.
In addition First Class Partnerships undertakes company health checks to advise the Department for Transport on the key issues obtaining within a franchised operation and which will require attention in the event that a contract is terminated. Subsequently First Class Partnerships will provide its professional opinion on the business and financial plans of the franchise, covering the full range of functional activities within the company including management and the structure of operations, safety, security and environmental issues, marketing plans, employee relations and the status of key company contracts.
First Class Partnerships has advised the UK franchising authorities on a number of situations in which operator of last resort has either been implemented or considered. These included the termination of the Connex South Eastern franchise in 2003 and the subsequent stabilisation of the company in the public sector enabling refranchising to take place in 2006. We have also been involved in the review of at least four other franchised operations over an eight year period and have advised Transport Scotland on putting in place operator of last resort arrangements there.
