Thursday 21 Jan 2010

NETWORK RAIL COMMENTS ON DfT INTERCITY EAST COAST FRANCHISE CONSULTATION

Region & Route:
National

Commenting on the Department for Transport's aspirations for a sub-four hour service between London and Edinburgh as a timetable requirement in a future franchise, a spokesperson said:

“The new timetable due to be introduced on the East Coast in May 2011 will bring huge benefits to many thousands of passengers and freight users.  The DfT has also asked us to look into the possibility of running a sub-four hour service each weekday from London to Edinburgh and back.  We understand the benefits to passengers of reducing journey times, especially on a long-distance route such as the East Coast Main Line, and will always try to make the best use of the capacity available on such a busy route.  Over the coming months we will consult with the eight passenger and freight train operators that use the East Coast Main Line to understand what is involved in attempting to introduce sub-four hour services and come to a decision that delivers the most benefits.”

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