Runners line up for a new franchise races, but who are the favourites?

The shortlist of bidders for the new Greater Anglia and Essex Thameside rail franchises will be revealed after the election. Up to five runners and riders will compete for each contract. New Transit considers the prospects of the likely competitors

Go Ahead

The form horse having won the last three franchise contests it entered in the Govia partnership with Keolis - and Greater Anglia and Essex Thameside are both in its favoured London commuter market. May decide not to bid for both given costs involved and its history of selective bidding. High quality management teams and expertise in commuter operations make it arguably the one to beat. Operational problems at London Midland appear to have been largely solved and are unlikely to count...