Rail franchise timetable faces delays

Nearly every planned new franchise date has been put back under changes to the system:

• On the West Coast, Virgin originally agreed to carry on running the line until November 2014. However, the Government says the new franchise won't start until April 2017
• The Great Western franchise due to end in October this year, won't start until July 2016

• Northern franchise, due to end in April 2014, won't begin until February 2016
• South Eastern franchise, due to end in April 2014 won't start until June 2018
• Essex Thameside, where the franchise ends in May this year won't begin until September 2014