The train operating company in the Midlands, Central Trains has been awarded an extension to its franchise until November 2007.

The company has been given new terms to encourage service improvements. It will be required to operate the existing timetable. The extension helps facilitate the re-mapping of franchises in the Midlands, which was announced by DfT in October 2005. Three new franchises - East Midlands, West Midlands and Cross Country - will replace the current four franchises operated by Central Trains, Silverlink, Virgin Cross Country and Midland Mainline.

Remapping existing franchises will facilitate closer working between track and train to improve efficiency and performance. The extension of the contract will help to align the end dates of the four existing franchises.

Rail Minister Derek Twigg said:

"This agreement means that existing services will continue until November 2007, with an emphasis on building on recent performance improvements."

"It means that we can continue with our plans for the new franchises, which will deliver better services for passengers."