Train firm confirms timetable additions

The East Coast main line company, which is run in the public sector, is bottom of the national table for train punctuality.

Showing off its new first-class service on a journey from London to York, managing director Karen Boswell said: “As far as the punctuality is concerned, we are not where we want to be. But a lot of the problems have not been our fault.

“From next month we are offering increased journeys and improved journey times.”

The new first-class service also signals the end of the tradition of restaurant cars.

Instead, passengers will be provided with a complimentary meal-and-drink service at their seats.

Under the new timetable, extra trains have been added between Leeds, York, Doncaster and London, while a new express weekday train will complete the journey from Leeds to the capital in under two hours.

The new services, beginning on May 22, also include direct return services from London King’s Cross to Harrogate and Lincoln, and a four-hour “Flying Scotsman” morning express between Edinburgh and London, calling only at Newcastle.

The Department for Transport took over the London to Scotland East Coast line at the end of 2009 when previous operator National Express gave up the franchise. It is scheduled to return to the private sector at the end of next year.

Ms Boswell said the present East Coast company would not be bidding to run the re-let franchise but she was determined to hand over a thriving company to the new operator.