By Daniel Hordon, Past Editor
The East Coast Mainline has been renationalised after the transport secretary, Chris Grayling, terminated a Stagecoach and Virgin Trains contract early.
The East Coast Mainline has been renationalised after the transport secretary, Chris Grayling, terminated a Stagecoach and Virgin Trains contract early. The operation of the network was, this weekend, brought under the control of LNER (London North Eastern Railway) in a move which sees the line returned to public ownership just 3 years after privatisation.
Stagecoach and Virgin Trains, who won the contract to operate the mainline in 2014, had their 8 year franchise terminated early having reported major losses. The venture run 90% by Stagecoach despite the VTEC (Virgin Trains East Coast) brand had received criticism for low punctuality and was once named one of the UK’s most complained about train operators.
The nationalisation of the railway is expected to be a temporary measure, going against the policy of the current Conservative government.
The rail minister, Jo Johnson MP, speaking for an LNER press release said, “The launch of LNER is the first step towards the East Coast Partnership, which will bring track and train closer together on this historic railway.”
Passengers are not set to face any disruption or changes to normal service with the launch of the new operator. The operator’s Managing Director, David Horne, said: “our message to customers, employees and everyone who depends on this service is that it is business as usual. Existing tickets are valid for whenever customers plan to travel, new tickets can be bought in the same way and the same scheduled trains are in operation.”
The new operator will continue the phase out of new trains branded as ‘Azuma’. The new rolling stock purchased from Hitachi is manufactured at the companies Newton Aycliffe factory and is expected to be rolled out later this year. LNER displayed the first Azuma train in the company branding over the weekend outside of the Discovery Museum in Newcastle as part of events for the Great Exhibition of the North. The train will be on display until the 2nd of July, outside of the building where Stephenson’s rocket has been placed on display as part of the exhibition.
The launch of the new operator has not come without controversy, with boss David Horne being forced to defend his appointment having been in control of the failing VTEC operator. Horne said “in these circumstances, it’s absolutely the right thing to do” and went on to say that he believed “stability” was important for LNER.
Labour MPs have, today, campaigned across the country for the re-nationalisation of the complete railway network. Labour made the pledge to renationalise the railways in their 2017 General Election Manifesto and have criticised the government's move as a “bailout”. All this week, you have been voting for your favourite place in Northumberland. Now, the votes are in, and it’s time to reveal what Cramlington Learning Village has decided is its favourite place. Will it be our spectacular coastline, rugged countryside or fabulous architecture? All will be revealed…
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