Rail fares hike predicted
Increased rail fares between London, the north-east and Scotland are being widely predicted following a successful bid by GNER to run the service.
Train operator GNER was successful in its bid to run rail services on the East Coast Main Line, which runs between London and Edinburgh, for the next decade after it pledged to pay a record £1.3 billion to the government over the next ten years.
But industry observers says the record outlay by GNER could lead to increased fares, already as much as £100 on some standard tickets. According to a report in the Scotsman, GNER has admitted that fares will rise, but said they would not rise massively. Meanwhile rail unions predict “massive fare rises”, according to the report.
GNER beat competition from Virgin Trains, FirstGroup and DSB, a Danish rail company.
As part of the bid GNER has pledged 11 extra services on its busiest route, London- Leeds, the roll-out of on-board wireless internet service on all trains by May 2007, and easier ticket purchase including 50 new self-service fast ticket machines at stations and more online ticket sales.
Report by Ginny McGrath
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