Two overseas firms are among four shortlisted to take over the West Coast Intercity rail franchise for 2012 to 2026.
Companies shortlisted by the Department for Transport are FirstGroup and Stagecoach, Dutch firm Abellio and an alliance of the French transport companies Keolis and SNCF.
The Glasgow to London Euston rail link connects Scotland, northwest England and the West Midlands to the capital and has been run by Stagecoach as part of Virgin Rail for 14 years. Virgin Rail is 49% owned by Stagecoach and 51% by Virgin Group.
Aberdeen-based FirstGroup already holds the ScotRail and TransPennine franchises.
The franchise conditions say the chosen operator must introduce new rolling stock to the line at a time when it is expected to grow close to capacity and ensure improved services during the Olympic Games in London.
The West Coast franchise begins in April next year and runs for 14 years, with an option on another year after 2026.