A SHAKE-up of the train network will mean the end of Central Trains and the loss of the CrossCountry franchise for Virgin Trains.
Transport secretary Alistair Darling has announced three new franchises will replace the existing four franchises covering the Midlands from autumn 2007.
The new CrossCountry franchise will incorporate the current Central Trains inter-regional services, and will include Hereford-Nottingham and Birmingham-Bristol-South West.
The West Midlands franchise will operate local and regional services in the West Midlands, as well as West Coast Main Line outer suburban services to London Euston.
Chiltern Railways may operate the Stratford-Birmingham Snow Hill-Kidderminster-Worcester-Great Malvern service if this offers better value for money. At present, Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Trains operate both the West Coast Main Line and the CrossCountry.
The CrossCountry franchise was due to last until 2012, but has recently been running under a temporary arrangement with the Department of Transport, with the department having the right to end the franchise earlier.
A Virgin Trains spokesman said: "This is what we expected and there is no surprise in this. We shall continue to improve the CrossCountry franchise and increase passenger numbers."
The East Midlands franchise will operate intercity services to and from London St Pancras, plus local and regional services in the East Midlands.
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