Government opens bidding for East Coast main line

Date: 26/3/2013

Bidding for the East Coast main line between London and Scotland has now opened, Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin announced today (March 26th).

Unveiling a timetabled plan for all the country's rail franchises over the course of the next eight years, the Secretary explained that the new East Coast operator will be expected to direct services by February 2015.

The line is currently managed by the Department for Transport, which has been responsible for the route since 2009 when National Express pulled out of a deal for the franchise.

But with today's plans designed to provide a framework for the future of the nation's rail network, the aim is for the line to be returned to the private sector.

"This programme is a major step in delivering tangible improvements to services, providing long-term certainty to the market and supporting our huge programme of rail investment," Mr McLoughlin said.

"In future franchise competitions we are placing passengers in the driving seat by ensuring that their views and satisfaction levels are taken into account when deciding which companies run our railway services."

With the new approach to franchising said to provide a programme for the Department for Transport's investment in rail infrastructure in the coming years, the Secretary also revealed the three stations most likely to be built with support from the Government's New Station Fund.

According to the Department, these are Ilkeston in Erewash (Derbyshire), Pye Corner in Newport West (South Wales) and Lea Bridge in Walthamstow (East London), although a final announcement is expected in May.

A new Franchise Advisory Panel will be formed in order to help with the Government's future programmes, with Chairman of the Panel Richard Brown praising the vision of the Department for Transport.

"The clarity around the franchise programme will also allow fresh energy to be brought to the urgent task of developing closer partnerships with Network Rail to drive out costs from the industry and provide a better deal for passengers and taxpayers," he said.

Posted by Sarah Bailey

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