East Coast Main Line to be handed back to government

Date: 3/11/2009

A "troubled" part of the UK's rail network is confirmed to be re-assumed
by the government starting next month, according to a transport union,
after receiving a government briefing on the plans.

The UK Government will assume control of the newly formed East Coast
Main Line Co, linking London to Hull -- Edinburgh December 12th, and isn't expected to re-let to the public sector before mid-2011 after dissolving the National Express East Coast Line.

Currently, the rail is being run by National Express.

The Rail and Maritime Transport Union "welcomed" the news, and hopes the line will remain under government control permanently, according to the union report.

The East Coast Main Line has undergone two attempts at franchises in the
national privatisation scheme to
date.