Private sector return for East Coast delayed

THE return of East Coast Main Line services to the private sector was delayed by a year today as the Government also set out plans for a “radical restructuring” of the way trains operate in the region.

Transport Secretary Philip Hammond had previously indicated the new franchise would begin in “late 2012” but this morning he announced it would be in December 2013.

The decision was taken to avoid running competitions for two long distance franchises at the same time which, he said, could result in a poorer deal for the taxpayer.

East Coast Main Line services have been operated by a Government owned company since November 2009. The next private operator is expected to be given a 15 year franchise.

Mr Hammond also announced a deal with First Keolis to continue operating the transpennine express franchise beyond its current deadline of next year until sometime between April 2014 and March 2015.

He said this would mean it would end at the same time as the current northern rail franchise making it possible to consider a “radical restructuring” of train services in the region.