East Coast bailout row overshadows minister Grayling’s ‘new vision for rail’

by

SECRETARY of State for Transport Chris Grayling has unveiled his vision for the evolution of passenger rail franchising in the UK.

A new ‘partnership’ model, bringing together franchise holders and Network Rail management teams on a more formal basis, will be introduced, with the next Southeastern and East Midlands franchises expected to be the first to move to the new model.

Virgin ‘Azuma’ debut on Highland Main Line: Testing of Hitachi Class 800 IET trains ahead of their introduction on Virgin East Coast services from December 2018 took a step further when a nine-car set made its way up the Highland Main Line to Inverness. Set No. 800101 worked from Doncaster to Inverness and back on December 15, and is seen approaching Bardrill Road, between Blackford and Gleneagles. The sets are expected to take over the ‘Highland Chieftain’ workings in 2019. BOB AVERY

Other proposals include smaller franchises designed to offer more local control of routes, including a possible split of the Great Western franchise to create a new Devon and Cornwall operator, and the possible reopening of long-closed lines to create extra capacity and open up new areas for housing and economic development (see separate stories).

Article continues below…
Advert

Enjoy more Railway reading in the monthly magazine.
Click here to subscribe & save.

However, the announcement also contained the controversial news that the Department for Transport (DfT) will end the struggling Stagecoach/Virgin East Coast franchise early and replace it with a new ‘East Coast Partnership’ alliance.

The franchise was originally planned to run until 2023 and pay more than £3billion in premiums back to the Government over eight years, but it now seems likely taxpayers will miss out on at least £1.5billion of the premiums promised by Stagecoach and Virgin in 2015.

It has become clear in recent months Virgin Trains East Coast (VTEC) is not meeting its ambitious targets for growth in passenger numbers and revenue.

Article continues below…
Advert

Planned infrastructure improvements on the ECML, allowing VTEC to run more trains from 2020, are also in doubt, jeopardising the operator’s ability to meet its commitments.

Read more in January’s issue of The RM – on sale now!


Advert
Subscribe to The Railway Magazine
Enjoy more of The Railway Magazine reading every month. Click here to subscribe.

Railway Reads

From the history of steam through to 21st century rail transport news, we have titles that cater for all rail enthusiasts. Covering diesels, modelling, steam and modern railways, check out our range of magazines and fantastic subscription offers.


Article Tags:

About the Author