On track

Having been run into the ground by National Express, anything that will make the East Coast main line more competitive should be considered. Adding a tranche of extra weekday services and seats will not solve all of its problems but it is as good a way as any of showing that the controllers of the nationalised route have a coherent plan for its future.

The planned improved timetable at the York-based line should help to bring more people to Yorkshire for work and pleasure. This is essential because, after the end of a dire recession, the region still has an uncertain economic future.

East Coast says the timetable will offer faster journeys. This is no bad thing, but what managers need to remember is that the ever-rising cost of intercity rail travel means it can be cheaper to fly halfway across Europe than sit on an expensive trundle down to London.

By choosing such a grand name as the Eureka! for its timetable, the operator has challenged itself to meet a high standard. All of Yorkshire will benefit if, finally, the East Coast line can get back on track.