The UK’s Department for Transport (DfT) has launched a competition to find a new private-sector operator for the East Coast mainline.
Initial documents have been published detailing the government’s aspirations and expectations for the new operator, which would take over train services on the line from 2015.
East Coast services have been operated by the government’s Directly Operated Railways since 2009, following the withdrawal of National Express.
The new operator will be expected to upgrade the current train fleet and continue to support £72 million worth of planned infrastructure works along the route.
The DfT has said it plans to publish a shortlist of bidders in January next year, with selected operators then given three months to submit their bids.
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “We want to see a revitalised East Coast railway, one that both rekindles the spirit of competition for customers on this great route to Scotland and competes with the West Coast on speed, quality and customer service.
“We need a strong partner to ensure we successfully deliver the £240 million programme of infrastructure investments on the route and the improvements in rolling stock that the multi-billion Intercity Express Programme will provide.”
