Government announces £12 million for East Coast 'service improvements'

Date: 13/11/2009

The UK government announced it would inject £12 million into the new East Coast railway operation ahead of its first day of operation tomorrow.

Transport secretary Lord Adonis explained the improvements to the rail service from London to Scotland will be tangible, in that improved service and better value for passengers' money would be evident.

Catering on the rail line is earmarked to improve with the funding and reservations fees would be abolished.

Lord Adonis said: "East Coast staff have real pride in their jobs: they want to offer a fantastic service, and the new company will give them the tools for the job."

Public company East Coast is slated to remain under government control for the next two years after National Express failed to continue its £1.3 billion premium commitment to the franchise.