Transform Scotland - For Sustainable Transport

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27 November 2014

Rail should capture more of East Coast traffic

Commenting on today's award of the East Coast Main Line franchise to Virgin and Stagecoach (to operate as Virgin Trains East Coast), Transform Scotland rail campaigner Paul Tetlaw said:

"Transform Scotland believes that rail could and should capture much more of the travel market from Central Scotland to London. In the past we have worked with the operators of both the East Coast and West Coast franchises to promote the benefits of rail travel.

"We look forward to working with the Virgin Trains East Coast and are pleased to note that many of our recommendations are to be included in the new franchise.

"Of particular relevance are the new services from Stirling and the reduction in journey times to London. Full details are still to emerge but we would expect to see line speed improvements by Network Rail to allow the new 'Super Express' trains to run at their design speed of 140mph."