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Virgin aims for third rail franchise
Richard Branson wants to run another line |
Virgin Trains is entering the race to take over running East Coast main line rail services.
Richard Branson's rail company has suffered regular criticism over the standard of services on the West Coast main line, which it already operates.
The Great North Eastern Railway company currently holds the franchise for the East Coast line, between London King's Cross and Edinburgh.
GNER's franchise expires in April 2003 but if another company wins, it is likely to take over immediately.
Commuters want efficient services |
A spokesman said: "That's as far as it goes at the moment and plans will be worked on in the next few months."
Virgin has come under attack over punctuality and reliability on its West Coast services.
GNER inherited what was regarded as British Rail's flagship line, while Mr Branson took over the cash-starved West Coast line between London and Glasgow.
Now the line is undergoing an improvement programme of at least £2bn and Mr Branson hopes to introduce high-speed tilting trains in 2002.
Keith Bill, of pressure group Save Our Railways, said: "GNER has dramatically improved services on the East Coast line over the last year, while Virgin are still lagging behind on the West Coast route.
"I can't imagine many East Coast customers being thrilled to hear that Virgin could take over their services."
The next stage for interested parties will be to put forward proposals, then formal bids, with a decision on the franchise expected next summer.
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20 Nov 99 | UK |
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Spiralling costs of rail upgrade |
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06 Nov 99 | UK |
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Rail regulator raps Railtrack |
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16 Sep 99 | UK |
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Rail performance 'still patchy' |
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BBC special report: Track Record |
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