East Coast Main Line ‘could stay public for two years’
Sep 29 2009 The Journal
THE flagship East Coast rail franchise is set to be renationalised within weeks and could stay in public hands for up to two years, the Transport Secretary has revealed.
Lord Adonis also promised a “firm statement” on high-speed rail links by the next general election – which must be held by June - as North East business and political leaders push for the region to be included in a proposed North-South line.
The developments came as the rail franchise system was branded a “dog’s dinner” at the Labour conference in Brighton with National Express and GNER proving unable to deliver the East Coast franchise.
The Transport Secretary set out his plans for the East Coast franchise at a fringe event, saying: “I have set up a shadow company at the moment.
“That will probably become a full state company that will probably take over East Coast in November or December and I have made a commitment that we will then spend some time considering what the future is after that.”
But he said the key franchise was likely to remain in public hands for two years rather than 18 months as previously announced.
“The test for me, it is the crucial test, is whether by going for a new franchise is whether we can offer a better quality of service than they get at the moment,” said Lord Adonis.
