M40 has became the first train operator to retain its franchise when it won the Chiltern Railways auction.
The John Laing subsidiary has pledged to invest another £370m in expanding services as part of the 20-year contract.
National Express also negotiated a two-year extension to its Midland Mainline franchise. It plans to invest another £238m. This includes the building of a new East Midlands Parkway station.
The Daily Telegraph 11/08/00 page 4, page 31
The Times 11/08/00 page 6, page 26
Financial Times 11/08/00 page 1, page 3, page 14
The Independent 11/08/00 page 17
The Guardian 11/08/00 page 17
