14/08/2007 03:17:49
National Express has won the contract to operate East Coast rail services between London and Scotland, the government has announced.
The InterCity East Coast rail franchise consists of services connecting London to Scotland via Peterborough and the North of England.
In December 2006, the government asked GNER, which currently operates the routes, to surrender its contract as it was unable to meet contractual payments agreed in its franchise.
The Department for Transport (DfT) has now awarded the contract to NXEC Trains, a subsidiary of National Express. The franchise starts on 9 December and continues until 31 March 2015, during which time NXEC Trains will pay the government £1.4 billion.
Among the service improvements expected under the agreement are faster journey times, and free wireless internet access in Standard Class. Richard Bowker, National Express Group chief executive said: “We will offer improved reliability, more trains and seats, easier ways to purchase tickets and an updated catering offer.”