Transport companies from the Far East and Europe are in the running to operate the West Midlands rail franchise.
The Government has today published a shortlist of three companies which are bidding to win the franchise from October 2017 which includes Govia, the owner of which has operated the route since 2007.
The West Midlands franchise covers inner city routes across Birmingham from Herefordshire and Worcestershire, through the city centre and out to destinations in Staffordshire such as Rugeley and Lichfield.
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It also operates routes out of London and the South East up to Stoke-on-Trent, Crewe and Liverpool and runs more than 1,300 trains every week day.
The franchise has been plagued by controversy in recent months with the Department for Transport suggesting in January that
And in December, the Government's transport about London Midlands' operation of the franchise as part of guidance to companies bidding to take it over.
The Government said the trio of shortlisted bidders would now need to demonstrate how they would deliver better journeys for passengers in order to secure the franchise.
The final shortlist comprises London Midland's owner Govia and Dutch group Abellio Transport, working with East Japan Railway Company and Mitsui & Co.
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Completing the list is MTR Corporation which operates Hong Kong's Mass Transit Railway.
Rail minister Claire Perry said: "The West Midlands franchise serves both commuters and long-distance passengers and we are confident these companies will create high-quality bids that can deliver better journeys for all.
"Today's announcement marks a key step forward in giving passengers improved services across the region and beyond."
The contract award is due to be announced in June 2017.