CRAM ‘EM IN AND CHARGE THE EARTH National Audit Office report on rail franchises claims packed carriages and higher ticket prices are solutions to rail funding crisis RMT helpline 0800 3763706 :: november/december 2008 :: RMTnews 12 Franchise Parent Group Start Date End Date Southeastern Govia April 2006* 2014 First Capital Connect First Group April 2006* 2015 First Great Western First Group April 2006* 2016 South West Trains Stagecoach February 2007 2017 London Midland Govia November 2007 2015 East Midlands Trains Stagecoach November 2007 2015 Cross Country Arriva November 2007 2016 National Express East Coast National Express December 2007 2015 FRANCHISES AWARDED SINCE ABOLITION OF THE STRATEGIC RAIL AUTHORITY * - franchise specified by the SRA