The Department for Transport (DfT) has been criticised for how it handled the process of securing two significant train procurement contracts.

In a report published today (June 9th), the National Audit Office (NAO) said the decision to sign contracts for rolling stock for the Thameslink and Intercity Express services "created confusion in parts of the industry about the department's role". 

Despite having no previous experience of leading procurements on such a large scale, the DfT opted to head up the process of purchasing trains for both the Thameslink and Intercity Express lines, contracts which are worth £2.8 billion and £7.65 billion respectively.

While the NAO acknowledged the decision was based on securing the department's long-term objectives regarding lowering costs and improving the reliability and availability of rail services, it noted both schemes were delayed because the DfT struggled to secure finance during the economic crisis.

However, the independent watchdog said it will not be able to fully evaluate the value for money provided by the projects until the trains are in service in 2020.