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Government to run East Coast railway

The East Coast Main Line rail route is to come under government control after cash-strapped operator National Express defaulted on its franchise.

Transport Secretary Lord Adonis said he had set up a publicly-owned company which will take over the East Coast line when National Express ceases to operate the franchise, which will probably occur later this year.

Lord Adonis added that the Government may have grounds to terminate National Express’s other rail franchises - East Anglia and the London to Tilbury and Southern franchise c2c.

The announcement of the takeover came as National Express announced its chief executive Richard Bowker, a former boss of the Strategic Rail Authority, was leaving to take up a job in the Middle East.

James Ramsbotham, North East Chamber of Commerce chief executive, said: “The East Coast Main Line is a vital link to London and Edinburgh for North East business passengers. It is essential that it remains punctual with excellent service and at the most affordable price.

“Lord Adonis has given a commitment that the service itself will run as normal and this is paramount as the competitiveness of the North East is greatly enhanced by the quality and accessibility of the East Coast Main Line.

“The Government has a job to do to find the right operator of this route in the future. On behalf of our members, we will be liaising with the relevant officials to make sure they are aware of the importance of this route to business users.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .