Sate-controlled East Coast Main Line set to go back into private hands
THE East Coast Main Line rail route from Edinburgh to London, now effectively under state control, will pass back into private hands in November 2011 under Government plans announced today.
A public sector company – East Coast – took over the East Coast Main Line from cash-strapped franchisee National Express earlier this month.
Today, Transport Secretary Lord Adonis said the Department for Transport would be consulting on the new East Coast franchise specification in spring 2010.
It is expected that interested parties will be invited to tend for the franchise next autumn, with the successful bidder being announced in summer 2011 and the new franchise beginning in November 2011.
Rail unions have urged the Government to keep the East Coast Main Line in the public sector, but the Government has always maintained it planned to have the line privately operated again.
Email to a friend
Print this page- David Cameron is playing into the SNP’s hands, says Michael Forsyth
- Rangers administration: European hopes in doubt as wait goes on for tax tribunal result
- Brian Monteith: Positive push to keep Scotland in the union
- Rangers administration: Calls grow for finance inquiry
- Scottish independence: No vote for under 18s, says Michael Moore
- David Cameron is playing into the SNP’s hands, says Michael Forsyth
- Scottish independence: Ruth Davidson points to welfare
- Scottish independence: SNP’s plans ‘in a state of flux’, Willie Rennie claims
- First Minister accused of snubbing devolved nations
- ‘Troubled times’ for shops as customers fall
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Edinburgh
Monday 20 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 7 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 25 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 9 C to 12 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: South west
