Just reading todays Northern Echo (the local daily in the North East for those who are unaware) and I came across a piece printed about the coming bids for the ECML franchise.
There was a forum in which representatives from Arriva, National Express, First & Stagecoach-Virgin faced questions from key figures from across the region.
I couldn't find a similar piece on the newspapers website so I will drop in a few points and quotes from the paper itself.
When asked whether the half hourly service provided to the North East would be continued, the following was submitted.
National Express head rail bidder Chris Stokes said "there is no question the current frequency would be retained and we hope to improve journey times between London & Newcastle to 2hrs 50 minutes"
Arriva said "It would be suicidal not to keep this frequency"
Stagecoach-Virgin said "We will concentrate our efforts on ensuring we constantly deliver the most reliable services" adding that any details would be contained within the bid.
First said "We will follow the specifications set out by the Department of Transport which include maintaining the current levels of service. The North-East region is very important to First and we are keen to develop Newcastle, Durham & Darlington stations".
Read into this what you will.
In addition, although it doesn't say in the article, I have found from a phonecall I made before submitting this thread that there was absolutely no mention of GNER being involved in the Stagecoach-Virgin bid so whether this still stands, I dont know.
There was a forum in which representatives from Arriva, National Express, First & Stagecoach-Virgin faced questions from key figures from across the region.
I couldn't find a similar piece on the newspapers website so I will drop in a few points and quotes from the paper itself.
When asked whether the half hourly service provided to the North East would be continued, the following was submitted.
National Express head rail bidder Chris Stokes said "there is no question the current frequency would be retained and we hope to improve journey times between London & Newcastle to 2hrs 50 minutes"
Arriva said "It would be suicidal not to keep this frequency"
Stagecoach-Virgin said "We will concentrate our efforts on ensuring we constantly deliver the most reliable services" adding that any details would be contained within the bid.
First said "We will follow the specifications set out by the Department of Transport which include maintaining the current levels of service. The North-East region is very important to First and we are keen to develop Newcastle, Durham & Darlington stations".
Read into this what you will.
In addition, although it doesn't say in the article, I have found from a phonecall I made before submitting this thread that there was absolutely no mention of GNER being involved in the Stagecoach-Virgin bid so whether this still stands, I dont know.
