Profits boost for rail firm

The company behind the East Coast rail line, which runs services from the Capital to England, has reported increased profits and an improvement in passenger satisfaction.

Directly Operated Railways, which was temporarily re-nationalised by the UK Government two years ago and took over the running of the line from National Express, said its operating profit increased by seven per cent in the year to March to £7.1 million.

Turnover hit £665.8m, an increase of £20m, leaving a profit before tax and service payments to the Department for Transport of £195.7m, an increase of £13m.

There was also a 2.1 per cent increase in passenger numbers.