Four groups make final rail bids

The new franchise will run from May

Final bids are being invited from the four groups who want to operate services on the main rail line between London and Scotland.

Services on the east coast main line are currently operated by GNER.

But the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) has advertised a new franchise to start next spring which will last between seven and 10 years.

GNER is one of the bidders. The others are First Group, Danish Railways and a joint bid from Virgin and Stagecoach.

Winning company

The new franchise involves providing services between London, parts of East Anglia, the East Midlands, Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, the North East and Scotland along the east coast main line and other routes.

The SRA expects to announce its preferred bidder early in 2005, with the winning company taking over services when the present franchise expires at the end of April.

Nicola Shaw, from the SRA, said: "The new franchise will be keenly contested between strong players with considerable rail experience.

"We look forward to their bids, setting out in detail what they will deliver for passengers and taxpayers."

GNER has run east coast services for eight years and its managing director, Christopher Garnett, says he is "totally confident" it will win the new franchise.