Government begins sale of high-speed railway

Date: 22/6/2010

The government has launched the sale of the rights to operate the UK's first high-speed railway - High Speed 1.

Transport Secretary Phillip Hammond yesterday (June 21st) invited bidders who want to run the 68-mile line to come forward and submit an offer, stating the successful candidate will be able to attract new operators as a result.

He noted the sale of rights will go some way to reducing the public sector deficit, which would be "good news for the taxpayer", and is "part of the government's approach to making our national assets … work harder".

In addition, Mr Hammond explained: "High Speed 1 is a national success story and a world-class railway operating to international standards."

The line - completed in November 2007 - will link London to the Channel Tunnel, St Pancras International, Ashford, Ebbsfleet and Stratford.

It took nine years to construct and became the UK's first new railway for more than 100 years.

Posted by Mary Treen