East Coast train line to be put into public control

16 May 2018/Categories: CILT, Industry News, Active Travel & Travel Planning, Rail, Transport Planning

Rail services on East Coast Main Line are being brought back under UK government control.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling told Parliament that temporary state ownership would provide the smoothest transition to a new operator.

The service is being renamed London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) a brand last used in the 1940s.

Mr Grayling told Parliament that after two months of analysis he had concluded that bringing the service back under the control of the Department of Transport was the best option. He also confirmed that new arrangements will not affect staff or passenger services.

Mr Grayling announced that he will terminate Virgin Trains East Coast's contact on 24th June 2018.

He said: "I plan to use a period of Operator of Last Resort control to shape the new partnership. So on that same day we will start with the launch of the new, long-term brand for the East Coast Mainline through the recreation of one of Britain’s iconic rail brands, the LNER.

"The team that has been working for me since last autumn to form the Operator of Last Resort will take immediate control of passenger services. They will then begin the task of working with Network Rail to bring together the teams operating the track and trains on the LNER network."

It is the third time in a decade that the government has called a halt to the East Coast franchise.

source: BBC News

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East Coast train line to be put into public control

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