The EMA in ScotRail and ERMA contracts for the DfT operating companies have provided Abellio UK with stability in what still remains uncertain times. Our immediate priorities are to deliver against the four criteria the DfT and TS have set out, ensure that we mitigate the revenue risk in Merseyrail from any further lockdown restrictions, and have each of our business best placed to deliver for our passengers when demand for public transport is recovering from the corona pandemic impact as vaccines are rolled out resulting in restrictions being lifted.
Abellio UK will also prepare for the move from emergency contracts to Direct Awards for DfT operators. We will also prepare for further rail reform in relation to the possible establishment of the new arm’s-length body likely to oversee rail infrastructure as well as the letting of future rail operating contracts. In respect to Abellio Bus, we will continue to bid strategically for routes in London and explore opportunities to expand our bus franchising offering into major metropolitan regions in England.