Stations called at: 5 | Parent company: FirstGroup | |
Franchise(s): Open-access operator
Not subject to franchising
Starts May 2021 | ||
East Coast Trains is a future open access operator in England owned by FirstGroup. It proposes to operate up to five return services per day between London King's Cross and Edinburgh via the East Coast Main Line. It has a track-access agreement for ten paths per day from May 2021.
Contents
History
In 2015, the Office of Rail and Road called for expressions of interest for open access operators to bid for extra paths on the East Coast Main Line. In May 2016, FirstGroup were granted a track-access agreement for ten paths per day from May 2021.
Virgin Trains East Coast have stated they are considering appealing against the decision to grant the track access agreement with the Office of Rail and Road.
Services
East Coast Trains will operate five services a day in each direction between London King's Cross and Edinburgh calling at Stevenage, Newcastle and Morpeth.
Operations
FirstGroup intends to compete with existing services on the London-Edinburgh route by offering tickets with an average fare price of £25 and free Wi-Fi connectivity for all passengers.
Rolling stock
East Coast Trains will procure a fleet of five 125mph electric multiple units. All trains will have buffet cars and only one class of seating accommodation, with no first class carriages available.